Can I prune my milkweed to make it shorter?

Yes, you can pinch back the tips in late spring to encourage branching. This results in a shorter, bushier plant with more flowers.

Will it bloom if it is leggy?

It might, but the blooms will likely be sparse and the stems may struggle to hold them up. More sun is the best way to get a good display of flowers.

Common Milkweed: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Measure the hours of direct sunlight the plant receives daily.
Check if nearby trees or shrubs are casting shade on the plant.
Observe if the plant is leaning toward the light.

Likely causes

Insufficient Sunlight
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are long, thin, and leaning toward the nearest light source. The distance between leaf nodes is much larger than usual.
What to do: Move the plant to a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun every day. If it is already in the ground, consider pruning it back by one third to encourage bushier growth.
Excessive Nitrogen
Possible
How to tell: The plant grows very fast but the stems are weak and cannot support the weight of the leaves. This often happens if the plant is near a heavily fertilized lawn.
What to do: Stop all fertilization near the plant. The plant will eventually harden off as the season progresses and the nitrogen levels in the soil balance out.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common milkweed

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for milkweed to grow tall, but it should not be floppy or unable to stand on its own. If it is falling over, it is definitely not getting enough sun.

Stopping it coming back

Plant your milkweed in an open, sunny spot away from the shade of buildings or large trees. Avoid over-fertilizing the area around your milkweed patch.

Common Milkweed: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common milkweed and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I prune my milkweed to make it shorter?: Yes, you can pinch back the tips in late spring to encourage branching. This results in a shorter, bushier plant with more flowers.
Will it bloom if it is leggy?: It might, but the blooms will likely be sparse and the stems may struggle to hold them up. More sun is the best way to get a good display of flowers.

Why is my Common Milkweed growing so tall and thin?