Oval Leaf Milkweed

Swamp Milkweed should be watered deeply but infrequently, so that the soil becomes lightly moist but never soggy. During the summer months, water the plant every 7-10 days, but in cooler months, it only needs to be watered every 10-14 days. If the weather is unusually hot or dry for long periods, water may need to be increased to every 3-4 days during summer. Avoid wetting the leaves as this can attract disease issues. Be sure to check the soil before watering to make sure the moisture level is low.

Swamp Milkweed prefers full sun and blooms throughout the summer. Generally, the best time of day for Swamp Milkweed is from mid-morning to early afternoon. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight is recommended for optimal growth and flowering, although individual plants may vary in their sun requirements. When grown in partial shade, Swamp Milkweed may become spindly and produce fewer flowers.

Swamp Milkweed should be pruned back in late autumn or early winter. Pruning should focus on cutting back the stems and foliage to about 2 inches tall in order to ensure that the plant will have strong, healthy new growth in the spring. Pruning should also remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any flower buds and seed pods, in order to keep the plant looking neat and tidy. After pruning, it's a good idea to mulch around the plants with compost or other organic matter in order to give them an extra boost of nutrients.