Late Bloomer Adds Height

By Jos Van Hage

Joe Pye Weed ‘Eupatorium purpureum’ is one of the tallest perennials available.

This native from the Eastern United States can grow 3-6 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide and is often seen growing along streams and lakes where the soil is moist. It is a very showy perennial with large domed panicles consisting of lots of little pink flowers that are fragrant and filled with nectar.

The flowers come into bloom now (late summer) and last until it freezes which is nice because many of the other perennials have finished blooming already. The flowers are excellent for attracting bees and butterflies and also make very pretty cut flowers.

The foliage is also nice looking. The large green leaves have toothed edges and taper to a fine point. They are textured and have a rough feel to them when you touch them. They grow in whorls of 3-5 on the stems, and at the nodes where the leaves meet the stem it is purple and the stem itself has a purple tinge.

The stems are very strong and even though they can grow up 6 feet tall they do not need any staking.

Joe Pye is a tough, low maintenance plant that grows well in sun to partial shade, and will grow in most soils but prefer not to go dry. They grow in a clump or bush and only need to be divided every few years.

They are excellent for planting in the back of the flowerbed because of their height or as a border. And, also because it is a native plant it is a good plant to use in a natural landscape. We have had some growing in our amended clay landscape at home for the last few years and they have done very well and look very attractive, especially when in bloom.

It is certainly a perennial worth considering if you are looking for a late blooming, tall perennial that attracts butterflies, and bees and it is easy to grow.

-Jos

Jos Van Hage owns and operates two Art Knapp Garden Centres in Prince George:

• Highway 16 West at Kimball road
• Highway 97 North at Northwood Pulpmill road

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