Asclepias incarnata ‘Soulmate’

Asclepias incarnata 'Soulmate'

Asclepias incarnata ‘Soulmate’ brings vivid beauty to the garden with its deep pink blossoms, each highlighted by a tiny white eye. The flowers appear in dense, rounded clusters atop tall, upright stems and emit a pleasant vanilla fragrance that drifts through the summer air. Blooming from mid to late summer, ‘Soulmate’ offers both color and scent during the warmest part of the growing season, creating a bold presence in borders, cottage gardens, or naturalized plantings.

This milkweed cultivar is not only ornamental but also highly valuable ecologically. Like other swamp milkweeds, ‘Soulmate’ serves as a host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars and provides a rich nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its upright form and clump-forming habit allow it to blend well with ornamental grasses and native perennials, making it ideal for pollinator and wildlife gardens. The blooms are also excellent for cutting and add charm to floral arrangements.

‘Soulmate’ thrives in moist, organically rich soils, but it is adaptable enough to grow in average garden beds if watered regularly. Its deep taproot helps it withstand summer heat, and once established, it requires minimal maintenance. This cultivar stands strong in wind and resists deer and rabbit browsing. Whether planted en masse or used as a focal point in a native garden, ‘Soulmate’ brings both beauty and biodiversity to the landscape.

Planting: Choose a location in full sun to light shade with moist, well-draining to wet soil. Ideal for use in rain gardens, pond edges, or moist meadows. Space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow room for airflow and growth.

Watering: Maintain evenly moist soil, especially in dry periods or during establishment. ‘Soulmate’ thrives in wet conditions but can tolerate brief droughts once mature.

Pruning & Deadheading: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage a tidier look and prevent self-seeding if desired. Cut stems to ground level in late fall or early spring to make way for new growth.

Pests & Diseases: Generally resistant to pests and diseases. May attract milkweed aphids or beetles, which are usually harmless. Encourage beneficial insects and avoid overhead watering to minimize issues.

Soil Tips: Grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil rich in organic matter. Tolerates clay, loam, or sand if moisture is consistent. Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weed pressure, but keep mulch away from the crown.