Silky Deep Red Asclepias

Silky Deep Red is a named Silky series selection of tropical milkweed with red outer floral parts and golden-yellow centers. Its upright stems and vivid flowers suit warm-season borders and cut-flower plantings, while its long bloom period can bring color from summer into fall. ## Flowers and Garden Use NC State Extension identifies this exact cultivar and documents it in cut-flower trials ([cultivar trial](https://cutflowers.ces.ncsu.edu/asclepias-curassavica-silky-deep-red/)); the university's trial summary describes red outer parts and yellow-gold inner parts for the Silky selections ([trial summary](https://cutflowers.ces.ncsu.edu/cut-flower-cultivar-trials/2001-cultivar-trials/)). The species blooms from spring to fall in temperate climates, and its flowers attract butterflies and other insects ([University of Wisconsin Extension](https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/tropical-milkweed-asclepias-currasavica/)). Use it in full sun, in a mixed border or container. ## Siting and Regional Care Provide full sun and consistent moisture for this tropical species. Where winter freezes kill the plant, it usually behaves as a warm-season annual. In mild-winter parts of the southern United States, the Gulf Coast, and California, tropical milkweed may remain leafy through winter, which can support off-season monarch breeding and buildup of the OE parasite. Xerces recommends choosing milkweed species native to the local region instead; if tropical milkweed is already established in a southern garden, Xerces advises cutting it to the ground in early fall ([Xerces Society](https://xerces.org/milkweed-faq)). ## Maintenance If existing tropical milkweed is retained in a region where it stays leafy through winter, Monarch Joint Venture recommends pruning stalks to about 6 inches during fall and winter, then recutting every few weeks if leaves regrow. Its advice does not apply south of Orlando in South Florida, where a distinct non-migratory monarch population is established, though native milkweed planting is still encouraged ([Monarch Joint Venture](https://monarchjointventure.org/faq/other-threats/when-to-cut-back-tropical-milkweed)). Keep the root zone evenly moist during active growth, and remove pods if volunteer seedlings are unwanted. The milky sap can irritate skin, so handle stems with care.