Ice Ballet Swamp Milkweed

Ice Ballet is a white-flowered selection of swamp milkweed, forming upright clumps of narrow, green leaves beneath fragrant summer flower clusters. It is a useful choice for a sunny rain garden, pond edge, or moist perennial border, especially where white flowers can brighten a planting. ## Flowers and wildlife The cultivar's clear white flowers appear in summer, with [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/asclepias/ice-ballet-swamp-milkweed-asclepias-incarnata) listing summer and [New Moon Nursery](https://newmoonnursery.com/nursery-plants/asclepias-incarnata-ice-ballet/) listing July and August. Butterflies and other pollinators visit the blooms, while monarch caterpillars use the foliage as food. Proven Winners gives a mature height of 3–4 feet and spread of 2–3 feet; nursery references report similar or slightly narrower spreads. ## Siting Plant in full sun for stronger stems and flowering. Swamp milkweed prefers moist to wet soil and tolerates partially shaded sites; it can adapt to ordinary garden soil if moisture is available. Its long root makes established plants difficult to move, so choose the site with mature size in mind. ## Maintenance Provide water while the plant establishes and during prolonged dry weather. Once established, routine care is modest. Leave the pods if you want seed to disperse, or remove them before they open. Milkweed sap can be harmful if eaten; wash hands after handling cut stems.