Perennial – blooms appear in the second season and will reappear for many years to come. 12" tall. Spider Milkweed (Asclepias viridis) is a shorter variety of asclepias and also a light spreader, making it an ideal plant for smaller pollinator gardens or those who don’t want to naturalize their landscape with Milkweed. An earlier bloomer (May to June), Spider Milkweed is an important resource for early generations of Monarch butterflies, as well as an early nectar source for other pollinators and beneficial bugs. This variety is tolerant of dry conditions and thrives in fast-draining soils and full sun to partial shade. Requires a cold period in order to germinate and is best planted in the fall or forced into cold stratification for spring seeding.