Eupatorium Joe-Pye Weed
Joe-Pye weed is thought to be named after a Mohican sachem who used the plant to cure many ailments, including typhoid fever.
Plant care & info
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Eupatorium
Origin: Found in Europe, North Africa, Central Asia and eastern North America. Common Name: Joe-Pye Weed, Hardy Ageratum.
Prefers evenly moist, fertile soil high in organic matter. While it will be relatively drought tolerant once established, it will benefit from some water during summer heat waves. Most species and varieties prefer sun or part shade locations in the garden, although Eupatorium rugosum ‘Chocolate’ needs more sun than others for better development of color.
If you would like Eupatorium to be shorter and bloom later in the season, pinch back the stems in May or June. Cut back during fall and winter when the plant is dormant. If planted in the open and windy areas, the plant might need to be staked for support. Leaving the seed heads after the bloom period will add longer seasonal interest. Keep in mind that if you do so, they will reseed and may become weedy.
Leaf miners.
Mildew, leaf spot.
Attracts bees and butterflies. Deer resistant. Tolerant of moist and dry soils. Good cut flowers.
Division in winter and spring. Some varieties self-sow.
This large late season perennial adds great structure to the garden, making it a wonderful option for borders and background plantings. Since Joe-Pye weed is tolerant of moist soils and drought, once established, they are perfect for a rain garden or bioswale. Some species have more pronounced purple colored stems or leaves, making them an excellent addition to the color palate. Lasting almost until frost, this tall and handsome plant—with large umbels of flowers—also acts as a host for butterflies. The flowers attract a host of beneficial insects and are great in bouquets. Blooming from mid-summer to fall, Eupatorium pairs beautifully with Rudebeckia, Helianthus, Miscanthus and Macleaya.
Explore More Joe-Pye Weed
Elegant Feather
Eupatorium capillifolium ‘Elegant Feather’
A tender Eupatorium with graceful, feathery foliage. Grows 48-84″ high and 36″ wide in full to part sun. Zone 8.
Little Joe
Eupatorium dubium ‘Little Joe’
A compact variety growing 36-48″ tall and wide. Purple stems compliment the large clusters of mauve-pink flowers from July to September. Hardy in zones 4-9.
Atropurpureum
Eupatorium purpureum subsp. maculatum ‘Atropurpureum’
A lofty plant reaching 4-7′ tall and 3′ wide. Large reddish purple blooms July to September. Zones 3-8.
Gateway
Eupatorium purpureum subsp. maculatum ‘Gateway’
Huge rose-mauve blooms July to September. Grows 6′ tall and 3′ wide. Zones 3-8.
Chocolate
Eupatorium rugosum ‘Chocolate’
A favorite with rich, chocolate-purple foliage topped by small white flowers from July to October. It grows to 3-4′ tall and 2.5′ wide. Zones 4-9.
