Asclepias incarnata ‘Ice Ballet’ is a stunning white flowered cultivar of Swamp Milkweed that delivers all the ecological benefits of its pink flowered cousin with a fresh, clean look. Its upright stems and clusters of fragrant snow white blooms light up rain gardens and sunny borders in mid to late summer.
Height & Spread: 3 - 4 ft x 2 - 3 ft
Bloom Time: Mid summer (June to August)
Light Requirements: Full sun; tolerates partial shade
Soil Preference: Prefers moist to wet soils; tolerates average garden soil if not allowed to dry out
Watering Needs: Moderate to high; thrives with consistent moisture
Deer Resistance: Excellent; deer avoid its toxic milky sap
NATIVE STATUS
Cultivar of a North American native species; the base species, Asclepias incarnata, is native to wet meadows, marshes, and streambanks across eastern and central North America. While the white flower color is a horticultural selection, the plant retains the full ecological value of the species.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- A host plant for Monarch caterpillars, and an important nectar source for adults. It also attracts Queen, Swallowtail, and Skipper butterflies.
Bees
- Highly attractive to bumblebees, leafcutter bees, and other native pollinators seeking deep, nectar rich flowers.
Other Insects
- Supports milkweed beetles, aphids, and predatory wasps, contributing to garden balance and food web health.
- The white blooms may be even more visible to pollinators in low light conditions, enhancing late day foraging.
SPACING & LANDSCAPE USE
Spacing Recommendations
- Plant 2 - 3 ft apart to allow upright clumps to mature and attract pollinators.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for rain gardens, pollinator meadows, pond margins, and moist naturalistic borders. Use as a vertical accent in sunny or semi shaded areas with rich soils.
COMPANION PLANTS
-
Iris versicolor (Blue Flag Iris) - striking foliage and bold color contrast.
-
Lobelia siphilitica (Great Blue Lobelia) - deep blue flowers for pollinators and visual balance.
-
Eutrochium maculatum (Joe-Pye Weed) - adds height and layered nectar support.
-
Verbena hastata (Blue Vervain) - spiky bloom form and overlapping season.
-
Juncus effusus (Common Rush) - for texture, vertical form, and wet soil adaptation.