Blood flower (Asclepias curassavica)| Top Details , Best Uses , Amazing Facts

Introduction Of Blood Flower

Many gardeners are drawn to the unique appearance of blood flowers (Asclepias curassavica). These perennials can survive in either cooler or warmer weather, depending on where you live, and it’s possible to grow them from seeds or cuttings to have an abundant supply of these flowers at any time of year. By following some simple steps, you can be growing your blood flowers in no time!

Blood Flower Characteristics

Blood flowers have a single, 5-inch (13-centimeter) flower head that stands on top of 6 to 12 purple or reddish stems. Blood  flowers usually bloom in late spring or early summer and have dark green leaves that grow 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) long and 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) wide. The plant is native to the southern U.S.

Growing best in sandy soil with full sun exposure near bodies of water. It is commonly used as an ornamental plant, but some people also use it as a remedy for asthma and skin rashes, according to National Center for Biotechnology Information. Because of their potential medicinal value, the blood flower may be under consideration by some countries for further study. To learn more about these unique plants, read on! Related Articles 8 Edible Wildflowers You Can Forage 4 Medicinal Plants You Can Grow at Home

blood red flowers
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Blood Flower Usage

Curassavica refers to a tropical tree native to South America and also part of its name is Asclepias which is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants that includes over 140 species of flowering plants. The word Curassavica means curassow which is a bird found in South America. 

Cursive in Latin means curassow and curassavica in Latin translate to like curassow or curs like. And again, Curaisavica refers to tropical trees found in Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana as well as parts of Colombia and Venezuela.

When Do Blood Flowers Bloom?

Early summer is when bloodflower blooms appear, some flowers begin to open in late May, with most blooming by mid-June. It’s a short-lived season, but bloodflowers add stunning color to your yard or garden. Because they bloom at night and close their petals during the day, they’re also known as Night sun. Although an adult will be able to enjoy both blooms and plants, young children should stay away from these wildflowers because they may try to eat them.

blood flower plant
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What Are Blood Flowers Good For?

Blood flowers are fairly popular in gardens because they can grow to be more than two feet tall, and they have striking bright red flowers. However, it’s best to use them in moderation if you have wildlife since many people find that blood flower plant attracts butterflies. Nevertheless, when planted around a walkway or patio, blood flowers can add a touch of elegance to your home while also providing food for birds and butterflies. 

As with most perennials (plants that come back year after year), it’s important to know what you’re getting into when you buy or plant blood flowers. Below is a list of three common questions about blood flowers: What do they look like?

Growing Blood Flowers

A good place to start is to look for soil that has adequate drainage. This plant can handle some direct sunlight and it’s best if you can put it in a sunny area. Be sure to choose an area that isn’t too dry or wet. One way you can provide extra water is by using drip irrigation on your flower garden in places where other plants would be prone to drought stress. Before planting your bloodflower, it’s a good idea to make sure that any nearby plants won’t interfere with their growth. 

Since they tend to have large root systems, care should be taken not to plant them too close together because competition for nutrients will decrease their overall vigor and health. It also helps to choose a spot in your yard that offers ample space for its eventual growth. Plants usually reach heights of three feet tall so keep that in mind when deciding where to plant them.

Our English common name blood flower comes from a unique adaptation of Asclepias curassavica which only occurs while pollination occurs within female flowers: as pollen matures, these darken and transform into bright red petals. Hence most people often mistake these petals as being real rather than phyllaries, bracts attached at one side along a pedicel (simple basal stalk). Botanically speaking, male flowers never develop petals whereas female flowers always do so during pollination.

blood red plant
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How Do I Propagate Blood flowers In My Garden or Yard?

Propagating blood flowers is easy because they have seeds and cuttings that you can use to grow more plants. You can transplant your seedlings into your garden in spring or summer, and propagating them in water means you can start a new batch of plants anytime. This plant should be placed in warm and humid conditions

So if you live where temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night, it’s better to keep your potted plant indoors during winter. To take propagation by cuttings, place leaves on a wet paper towel and place them in a plastic bag for two weeks until they root.

A blood flower requires some attention but does not need much of it to grow and stay healthy. One reason for their popularity is that they are relatively easy to care for. The type of soil and location in which you plant your blood flower makes a difference in how easy it will thrive. But if you follow a few general guidelines about watering, temperature, pruning, and feeding your plant, it should last for many years in your yard or garden.

Where Can I Buy Blood Flowers From?

The Asclepias curassavica flower is widely grown in tropical and subtropical climates. So, if you want to grow a bloodflower in your garden, you’ll need to live somewhere warm with long summers. Look for a local nursery or gardening center that offers tropical plants, or try asking around at greenhouses and farmlands in your area. Your best bet is to buy a plant locally because it will be acclimated to your regional climate already and less likely to succumb to bugs and diseases.

Or You Can Buy blood flower Seeds From – Ugaoo.com

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