The Giant Milkweed is blooming, and the flowers are so cool: they look like little sea stars or crowns, hence their other common name, “Crown Flowers.” They’re also used for leis and were said to be the favorite of the last queen of Hawaii, Liliʻuokalani.
These massive plants, which can reach up to 15 feet tall, are native to southern Asia and parts of Africa, but do well in most tropical regions. We mostly sell this plant as an ornamental, but Monarch Butterflies will lay eggs on the giant leaves and caterpillars will consume the foliage. Since it’s not a Florida native, like Swamp Milkweed (which is native), we do recommend cutting it back around November to help with Monarch migration patterns.
Leaves will come and go on the plant; feel free to remove them or let them drop. They require full sun. Plant with rich, well-draining soil, like Black Gold® Garden Compost. And keep the soil fairly moist, they don’t like drying out nor sitting wet.