White Flower Farm
Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow'
Best pollinator-friendly perennial for drought-tolerant, sun-drenched garden landscapes.
Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow', also known as Butterfly Weed, offers vibrant sunny yellow flower clusters, perfect for adding a splash of color to mixed borders or natural meadows. This North American wildflower is crucial for the survival of Monarch butterflies, providing nourishment throughout their life stages. It thrives in hot, full sun and prefers well-drained, nutrient-poor soils, tolerating drought conditions exceptionally well. As a perennial, it emerges late in spring. For bushier growth and more blooms, prune it back in early summer; deadheading can encourage a second flowering.
$17.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1695
/ 3083
#1695 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-38%
Below average
SKU
23985
/ S
Who it's for
- Conservationists supporting Monarch butterfly populations
- Gardeners seeking high-impact, long-lasting floral color
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, resilient native plants
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners preferring instant, easily movable landscape results
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for common, lower-cost varieties
- Anxious gardeners who prefer early-season garden activity
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Impact
A vital host plant that directly supports Monarch butterfly life cycles.
Drought Resilience
Thrives in harsh, dry conditions with minimal supplemental watering required.
Deer Resistance
Foliage remains largely untouched by local deer populations in most gardens.
Visual Impact
Bright yellow clusters provide a high-contrast pop for naturalized meadow borders.
Maintenance Ease
Simple pruning and deadheading routines significantly boost overall plant performance.
Hardiness Range
Reliably perennial across a broad spectrum of North American climate zones.
Key Specs
SKU
S23985
Plant Life Cycle
Perennial
Hardiness Zone
4-9S/10W
Mature Height
2-3 feet
Mature Spread
15-18 inches
Exposure
Full Sun
Blooms In
July through September
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Features
- Sunny yellow flower clusters add vibrant color.
- Essential host plant for Monarch butterflies.
- Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
- Deer resistant foliage.
- Attracts butterflies and provides nectar.
- Encourages bushy growth with pruning.
- Coveted seedpods for floral arrangements.
- Thrives in hot, full sun conditions.
What customers say
Customers highly value the superior quality of the plant stock received. Reviewers consistently praise the healthy, well-rooted specimens shipped by White Flower Farm, noting this is vital for establishing slow growing perennials. The vibrant 'Hello Yellow' color is a significant draw, offering a striking alternative to standard varieties. Its proven effectiveness as a monarch magnet confirms its ecological value. While some buyers note the initial small size relative to the premium price, the consensus is that the high establishment rate, even in difficult soil, justifies the investment. This reliable performance makes this cultivar a recommended choice for gardeners seeking a dependable yellow milkweed.
Know before you buy
Yes, while it is a critical host plant for Monarch butterflies, the nectar-rich flowers also attract a variety of other butterflies and beneficial pollinators to your garden.
This plant performs best in full sun and requires well-drained soil. It is highly drought-tolerant once established, so avoid overwatering or planting it in areas that stay consistently wet.
No, 'Hello Yellow' is considered deer resistant. Its foliage is generally unappealing to deer, making it a reliable choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern.
Asclepias tuberosa is a late-emerging perennial. It is normal for it to wait until the soil has warmed up significantly in late spring before showing signs of growth.
You can promote a bushier habit and more blooms by pruning the plant back in early summer. Additionally, deadheading the spent flowers can often encourage a second flush of blooms.
Yes, the unique seedpods that develop after flowering are highly coveted for floral arrangements and dried botanical displays.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$17