Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?
Asclepias tuberosa
Apocynaceae · flowers
Gladiolus spp.
Iridaceae · bulbs
Butterfly Weed (Zones 3-9)
Gladiolus (Zones 7-10)
Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–9
| Feature | Butterfly Weed | Gladiolus |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Asclepias tuberosa | Gladiolus spp. |
| Family | Apocynaceae | Iridaceae |
| Category | flowers | bulbs |
| Sun | ☀️ Full Sun | ☀️ Full Sun |
| Water | 💧 Low | 💧💧 Medium |
| Soil | Well-drained, Sandy | Rich, Well-drained |
| Height | 2' 6" | 4' |
| Spread | 1' 6" | 8" |
| Bloom Season | Summer | Summer |
| Bloom Color | Orange | Mixed |
| Growth Rate | Medium | Fast |
| Native Region | Eastern North America | Africa, Mediterranean |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
Butterfly Weed
Gladiolus
Butterfly Weed
Gladiolus
Choose Butterfly Weed if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.
Choose Gladiolus if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 7–10.
Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.
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