Asclepias incarnata 'Ice Ballet'
Best choice for eco-conscious gardeners looking to support local Monarch populations.
Asclepias incarnata 'Ice Ballet', or Swamp Milkweed, brightens the garden with pillowy clusters of vanilla-scented, snow-white flowers. This pollinator favorite is essential for Monarch butterflies, providing food for larvae and nectar for adults. It thrives in sunny spots with moist soil, reaching 3-4 feet tall. Ideal for rain gardens or perennial borders, it pairs well with other perennials. The deep green foliage and late-season blooms create a dynamic display. This easy-care perennial establishes a deep taproot, requiring patience in its first year as it focuses on root development.
$14.44
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 2688
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-48%
Below average
Mature Height
3648
/ - inches
Who it's for
- Conservationists supporting Monarch butterfly populations
- Gardeners seeking a sophisticated, cool-toned floral aesthetic
- Landscapers managing damp, poorly drained soil conditions
Who should skip it
- Gardeners wanting a low-maintenance, non-spreading plant
- Plant owners averse to managing pest infestations
- Designers requiring year-round garden visual consistency
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Impact
A critical resource for Monarch larvae and nectar-seeking butterflies.
Garden Versatility
Thrives in rain gardens, borders, and various soil conditions.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits from grazing on foliage.
Maintenance Ease
Low-effort perennial that establishes itself well once roots take hold.
Aesthetic Appeal
Vanilla-scented white blooms provide a striking, elegant visual contrast.
Establishment Speed
Requires patience during the first year for deep root development.
Key Specs
Mature Height
36-48 inches
Mature Spread
18-24 inches
USDA Hardiness Zones
3-9
Ships As
Potted Plant
Native To
North America
Soil Types
Sandy, Clay, Compost Enriched Garden Loam
Sun Exposure
Full Sun to Partial Sun
Water Needs
Medium
Features
- Fragrant vanilla-scented flowers
- Attracts Monarch butterflies
- Ideal for rain gardens
- Easy-care perennial
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Blooms mid-summer to fall
- Suitable for cut flowers
- Native North American plant
What customers say
Customers praise the Asclepias 'Ice Ballet' for its superior quality and healthy appearance upon arrival. Its standout feature is the unique design, with pure white blooms providing a sophisticated contrast to other milkweed types. Gardeners appreciate its dependable growth and its effectiveness in attracting monarch butterflies. This combination of reliable performance and distinctive visual appeal makes it a highly recommended perennial offering excellent value.
Know before you buy
While it is called Swamp Milkweed, it does not require a boggy environment. It thrives in average, moist garden soil and is quite adaptable to various soil types, including loam and clay, as long as it isn't allowed to dry out completely.
This is normal behavior for Asclepias incarnata. The plant spends its first year focusing energy on establishing a deep taproot system, so you may see limited top growth until the second season.
Yes, it is a primary host plant for Monarchs. The leaves provide essential food for larvae, while the nectar-rich flowers attract adult butterflies throughout the mid-summer to fall blooming season.
Yes, Asclepias incarnata is considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It is best to plant it in an area of your garden that is not easily accessible to curious pets.
For the best flower production, provide at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate partial sun, you will see more robust blooming and a stronger upright habit in full sun.
No, this variety is generally resistant to both deer and rabbits. Its taste and texture are typically unappealing to these garden pests, making it a reliable choice for borders.
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$14