Can I grow it in partial shade?

It will survive, but it will likely become leggy and produce fewer flowers.

Will pinching hurt the flowers?

Pinching early in the season actually helps the plant produce more stems, which leads to more flowers later.

Why is my swamp milkweed getting so leggy?

Check these first

Measure the hours of direct sun the plant gets.
Check if nearby plants are shading it.
Look for signs of new growth at the base.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long and thin with large gaps between the leaves.
What to do: Move the plant to a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If it is in a shaded area, it will continue to stretch.
Lack of Pruning
Possible
How to tell: The plant is tall and sparse after the first flush of flowers.
What to do: Pinch back the growing tips in late spring to encourage bushier growth. You can trim the plant back by one third to promote new stems.

When to worry

If the stems are so weak they fall over, the plant needs more light immediately. Some height is natural, but it should not be floppy.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure the plant has full sun exposure from the start of the growing season.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your swamp milkweed.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can I grow it in partial shade?: It will survive, but it will likely become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
Will pinching hurt the flowers?: Pinching early in the season actually helps the plant produce more stems, which leads to more flowers later.