Giant Milkweed
Calotropis gigantea
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Apocynaceae
- Genus:
- Calotropis
- Species:
- Calotropis gigantea
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 12-20 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Bloom Colors:
- lavender, white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Guam, Hawaii, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands
Host Plant for Caterpillars
⚠️Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- poor, sandy, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- tolerates saline and alkaline conditions