Bring Life to Your Garden with the Stunning Asclepias Curassavica Blood Flower Plant
- Common name:
- Blood Flower
- Regional name:
- Marathi- Haldi Kunku, Hindi- Kakatundi, Punjabi- Kakatundi, Sanskrit - Kakatundi
- Category:
- Shrubs, Medicinal Plants, Water & Aquatic Plants
- Family:
- Asclepiadaceae or Hoya family
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1. Information
- Scientific Name: Asclepias curassavica
- Common Names: Blood Flower, Scarlet Milkweed, Tropical Milkweed, Mexican Butterfly Weed
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Origin: Tropical regions of the Americas
2. Plant Description
- Height: 2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
- Spread: 1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
- Leaves: Lanceolate, green, 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long
- Flowers: Clusters of red and yellow blooms, attracts butterflies and bees
- Bloom Time: Late spring to fall
3. Plantation
- Location: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Propagation: Seeds or cuttings
4. Growing
- Watering: Regularly; allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings
- Feeding: Balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and mid-summer
- Pruning: Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushiness
5. Care
- Pests: Aphids, milkweed bugs, and spider mites
- Diseases: Root rot and powdery mildew
- Prevention: Regular monitoring, using insecticidal soap or neem oil, and proper watering practices
6. Benefits
- Attracts Wildlife: Provides nectar for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds
- Ecological: Supports monarch butterfly populations
- Aesthetic: Adds vibrant color and texture to gardens and landscapes
- Medicinal: Traditional uses include treatment of skin conditions, fever, and asthma; however, caution is advised as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested
7. Tips
- Do not grow in areas where children or pets may have access to the plant
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering
- Plant in groups for a striking visual impact and increased wildlife attraction
- Consider growing in containers for better control and ease of care, especially in colder climates