Ice Ballet Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata 'Ice Ballet')

Ice Ballet Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata 'Ice Ballet') is an upright perennial with green, lance-shaped leaves and tight clusters of small, fragrant white flowers from late spring through summer.

The species is native to North America, including Georgia, and occurs in swamps, along rivers, and in wet meadows. This selection performs best in full sun and moist to wet soil, while also tolerating average soil conditions.

Growing details

• Plant type: Perennial
• Species origin: North America, including Georgia
• Mature height: 3–4 feet
• Mature spread: 1.5–2 feet
• Spacing: Approximately 2 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Moist to wet soil; tolerates average soil conditions
• Flowers: Fragrant white clusters
• Bloom season: Late spring through summer
• Foliage: Green, lance-shaped leaves

Care and garden use

Water regularly. Foliage is slow to emerge in spring, so allow time for new growth before disturbing the planting.

Safety caution: The milky sap released from damaged stems is toxic if ingested.

Use as an accent or in grouped plantings, borders, pond and stream edges, wetlands, meadows, or containers where its moisture needs can be met. Companion planting options include sweet flag, cattail, and false indigo.

Image credits: Salicyna, Asclepias incarnata Ice Ballet 2015-07-15 4529, CC BY-SA 4.0; Under the same moon..., White Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) 'Ice Ballet'. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.