In Bloom: 2009-04-17 Out of Bloom: 0000-00-00 Growth Type: Perennial Hardiness Zones: 8 - 10 Location at Monticello: South Portico Planting Conditions: Shade

Bloodflower Asclepias curassavica (Click image to enlarge)

This native of South America has become widespread throughout our southern-most states. The beautiful flower heads show a combination of scarlet red in the reflexed petals, with vibrant orange in the upright petals. A member of the milkweed family, Bloodflower was introduced to European and American gardens by the late eighteenth century. If grown as a houseplant, Bloodflower blooms almost continuously. Visit Monticello's Online Shop to check for seeds or plants of Bloodflower. Close Window © Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc.