Asclepias 'Hello Yellow'

Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow': Sunshine for Wings and Soil

Cheerful and golden, Asclepias 'Hello Yellow' is a vibrant twist on the classic butterfly milkweed, offering rich yellow blooms that brighten the summer garden. Clusters of flat-topped flowers appear in midsummer, perched atop upright stems with narrow green foliage. This drought-tolerant native is beloved by pollinators—especially monarchs—and adds long-lasting colour, structure, and ecological purpose to dry borders, meadow plantings, and sunny slopes.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–60 cm
• Spread: 30–45 cm, forming a compact, clumping shape
• Flower Colour: Golden yellow
• Flowering Period: Midsummer to early fall
• Foliage: Narrow, lance-shaped leaves; bright green, upright
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil; drought-tolerant

Uses and Benefits: Asclepias 'Hello Yellow' is an excellent choice for prairie-inspired borders, xeriscapes, butterfly gardens, and erosion-prone sites. It thrives in poor soils and sunny exposures while providing critical nectar and habitat for pollinators. Its compact habit makes it easy to work into smaller gardens or mixed perennial beds where bold colour and wildlife value are both priorities.

Companion Plants: Combine with the golden daisies of Coreopsis 'Sunkiss', the ruby-tinged blades of Panicum 'Prairie Fire', and the warm apricot blooms of Gaillardia 'Mesa Peach' for a dynamic, drought-tolerant blend of colour and texture that lasts through the heat of summer.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water occasionally during establishment, then allow soil to dry between waterings. Avoid fertilizing or dividing—this milkweed thrives on neglect and dislikes root disturbance. Cut back stems in late fall, or leave for winter structure and wildlife habitat. Slow to emerge in spring, so mark its location.

History: A seed-grown selection of native Asclepias tuberosa, 'Hello Yellow' was chosen for its consistent golden flower colour and dependable habit. Native across much of North America, this species has become a favourite in conservation gardens for its beauty and essential role in monarch life cycles.

Final Thoughts: Radiant and resilient, Asclepias 'Hello Yellow' is sunshine in perennial form—a joyful beacon for butterflies and a must-have for dry, sunny landscapes.