High Country Gardens
Davis Showy Milkweed
Best native perennial for Western gardeners supporting Monarch butterfly populations.
The Davis Showy Milkweed is a vigorous western cultivar of Asclepias speciosa, celebrated for its striking silver-grey foliage and large pink flower heads that bloom in late spring. This clumping perennial is a vital host plant for Monarch butterflies, providing nectar for adults and food for caterpillars. Its milky sap deters deer and rabbits, making it a low-maintenance choice for perennial borders, especially in Western gardens. It establishes a deep taproot, requiring patience in its first season but offering reliable, long-term beauty and ecological support.
$10.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
848
/ 2577
#848 in Flowers
Price vs Category Average
-73%
Below average
Life Cycle
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Conservationists supporting Monarch butterfly populations
- Gardeners managing water-wise or xeriscape landscapes
- Landscapers seeking late-season floral color
Who should skip it
- Families with small children or curious pets
- Gardeners with limited space or small flower beds
- Impatient growers wanting immediate, full-season results
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Impact
Essential host plant that actively supports Monarch butterfly life cycles.
Garden Resilience
Deep taproot system ensures long-term survival in challenging Western climates.
Pest Deterrence
Milky sap effectively discourages browsing by local deer and rabbits.
Visual Appeal
Striking silver-grey foliage provides architectural interest throughout the growing season.
Maintenance Ease
Low-effort perennial that thrives once established in well-drained soil.
Establishment Speed
Requires patience during the first season to develop its deep root.
Key Specs
Life Cycle
Perennial
Watering Needs
Moderate
Light Requirement
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Bloom Season
Spring, Summer
Fragrance Level
No Fragrance
Pet Safe
No
Growth Habit
Mounding
Mature Height
30 inches
Features
- Attracts Monarch butterflies
- Showy silver-grey foliage
- Large pink flower heads
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Clumping habit stays in place
- Low maintenance
- Native plant selection
- Ornamental seed pods
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Davis Showy Milkweed starts received. Reviewers frequently mention the plants arrive healthy, robust, and well packaged, leading to reliable establishment in the garden. The primary satisfaction driver is the plant's vigorous growth and its effectiveness in attracting monarch butterflies, confirming its value for conservation efforts. This reliability makes it a highly recommended choice for native plant enthusiasts seeking dependable results.
Know before you buy
No, the Davis Showy Milkweed has a clumping growth habit. It stays in place rather than spreading through invasive underground runners, making it a well-behaved choice for perennial borders.
No, this plant is not considered pet-safe. Like many milkweed species, it contains compounds that can be toxic if ingested by dogs or cats.
Because this variety develops a deep taproot, it requires patience during its first season. Once established, it becomes a long-lived, low-maintenance perennial that thrives with minimal intervention.
Yes, this cultivar is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, provided the area is well-drained. Ensure the planting site does not remain waterlogged, as good drainage is essential for root health.
You generally do not need to worry. The plant’s milky sap acts as a natural deterrent, making it highly resistant to browsing by both deer and rabbits.
While it is a vital host plant specifically for Monarch butterflies, the large pink flower heads provide a reliable nectar source for a wide variety of other butterflies and pollinators throughout the blooming season.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$11