(Milkweed) Butterflies are a great addition to the garden, the Monarch is no exception. To be able to attract Monarch Butterflies to the garden you need a key host plant, that is Asclepias or Milkweed. Asclepias curassavica Orange is a tropical Milkweed that is hardy in zones 8-10, In cooler climates, this can be grown as a showy annual that is a host plant for butterflies. The bold orange blooms emerge early to mid-summer and continue until the weather gets cold. Planted in full sun to part shade Asclepias curassavica Orange grows 2-3 feet tall and spreads up to 2 feet wide. Asclepias is a host plant for Monarchs, they lay their eggs on the foliage, and as the eggs hatch to caterpillars, they become the food needed to grow the caterpillars. Plant in mass or as a specimen. Once the butterflies find your garden you may need more.