Asclepias
Named for Asklepios, the Greek god of healing. Commonly known as Pleurisy Root, dried roots from the genus were traditionally used in small doses as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory and general tonic. Attracts all manner of bee and butterfly. Watch one of the miracles of summer unfold before your eyes as monarchs lay their eggs on the leaves—a nutritious food source for the resulting caterpillars.
Herbaceous Perennial Plants
When you receive your order, open the bags and check the stock. Roots and crowns should be firm and pliable. If they are slightly dry, add a little water or, if they are going to be potted up soon, wet the roots. Generally, a little surface mold is harmless and will not affect the plant’s future performance. If you cannot pot them up immediately, store them in a cool (35–40°) location for a short time.
Do not plant bare-root perennial plant crowns directly outdoors.
Pot up the rootstock using well-drained potting mix in a deep 6" pot or a 1-gallon container. Avoid coiling the roots in under-sized containers.
Grow newly potted perennials for a few weeks in a protected location in indirect light at 50–60°. Wet and/or cold conditions for an extended period may cause rotting.
Transplant outside once they show some top growth and the danger of frost has passed.
For more info:
About planting bare-root perennials.
