Asclepias incarnata ‘Ice Ballet’

Asclepias incarnata 'Ice Ballet'

Asclepias incarnata ‘Ice Ballet’ brings elegance to the native garden with its clusters of creamy white flowers that emerge in midsummer. These starry blooms, held above tall stems, emit a sweet vanilla-like fragrance that draws in pollinators from far and wide. Unlike the typical pink-flowered swamp milkweed, ‘Ice Ballet’ offers a clean, refined look that pairs beautifully with other native perennials and ornamental grasses.

This milkweed cultivar is not just beautiful, it’s also ecologically important. As a host plant for monarch caterpillars, it plays a vital role in supporting native butterfly populations. Its nectar-rich flowers also attract a wide range of beneficial insects, including bees and hummingbirds. Standing upright with narrow foliage, the plant maintains a tidy habit and is well-suited for naturalized borders, wildlife gardens, and moist meadows.

Adaptable and resilient, Ice Ballet thrives in consistently moist soils, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens, low spots, pond edges, or areas with poor drainage. Though it prefers rich, loamy ground, it can tolerate some clay or sandy soils as long as moisture is maintained. Once established, it is both cold-hardy and tolerant of summer heat, bringing low-maintenance beauty and habitat value to the garden year after year.

Planting: Select a sunny to partly shaded location with consistently moist to wet soil. Ideal for rain gardens, wet meadows, or near ponds and streams. Space plants 18–24 inches apart to promote airflow and allow for mature spread.

Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells or in sandy soils. This plant thrives in wet conditions but can tolerate brief periods of dryness once well established.

Pruning & Deadheading: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a tidy appearance or allow seed pods to form for wildlife or propagation. Cut stems to ground level in late fall or early spring to promote fresh growth.

Pests & Diseases: It is generally pest-free and disease-resistant, though it may occasionally attract aphids or milkweed beetles. These are typically harmless to the plant. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering help prevent fungal issues.

Soil Tips: Prefers neutral to slightly acidic, moist soils rich in organic matter. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid overly dry or compacted soil unless moisture can be maintained.