How to prune whorled milkweed

Deadhead in late summer; cut back in late winter to early spring. Pinch or cut spent flower heads at a node to encourage any rebloom. In late winter, cut all stems to the ground. Wear gloves — the sap is a mild irritant.

Deadhead as needed; hard cutback once annually. Whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is a fine-textured native perennial needing very little pruning. Deadhead spent flowers to tidy up and limit self-seeding. Cut stems back to ground level in late winter before new growth appears. Avoid cutting back during the growing season, as stems support monarch butterfly activity.

Pinch or cut spent flower heads at a node to encourage any rebloom. In late winter, cut all stems to the ground. Wear gloves — the sap is a mild irritant.