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Butterfly Plant Cinderella, Asclepias incarnata 'Cinderella', is a virtually hassle free perennial, offering three months of vanilla scented, rose pink flowers in large, compact clusters from midsummer to early fall. Deadheading the flowers will stimulate another bloom cycle about a month after the first one. The flowers, which are heavily laden with nectar and pollen, are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. Asclepias incarnata is easily grown in medium to wet soils in full sun. Surprisingly tolerant of average well drained soils in cultivation even though the species is native to swamps and wet meadows. Plants have deep taproots and are best left undisturbed once established. Foliage is slow to emerge in spring. Once established, Swamp Milkweed requires little care. Though it is perfectly cold hardy in the north, mulching plants in winter will help prevent frost heaving. In spring, trim back last year's growth and await the beautiful new foliage that will appear a bit later than other perennials. Following the fabulous flowers, typical milkweed seed pods develop which rupture to reveal seeds with long, silvery white, silky hairs. These are great to use in dried flower arrangements.
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