This is a drought-tolerant plant once established, growing from a taproot. Take care not to break the long taproot as you position it in soil. It prefers sandy soils, either on the acidic side or neutral in pH. However, any soil that drains well should be adequate. Let it self-seed from its pods containing silky filaments that carry seeds on the wind, or pluck the pods before they develop if you want to keep this plant in check. Try not to disturb the leaves, under which monarchs lay their eggs. ​Unlike other plants we call Milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa does not contain milky white sap, but you still may want to protect your hands as you touch it. 

Looking to add brightest orange to the garden? Orange Butterfly Weed will help you do so, with the color coming in the form of bright flower clusters and also monarch butterfly visitors. This plant is a must-have for the pollinator garden. It draws in butterflies, hummingbirds, and more for its nectar. But for monarchs, in particular, this perennial is vital. It is monarchs' host plant, used in all aspects of their life cycle. Plant it for the butterflies and also for its easy-growing nature. It offers flower color in a brilliant orange all summer long, dark green lance-shaped leaves, good height for back borders in the garden, and a bushy growth habit. Plant this in hard-to-reach spots so that human visitors to the garden will not disturb it, for it surely will be home to monarch eggs and larvae.