Joe-pye weed

Joe-pye weed is a showstopper of a prairie native, producing huge, puffy flower heads in late summer. It prefers moist soils, but with its extensive root system, it also tolerates drought well. It is a large plant, growing 4 to 6 feet tall.

Closely related, hardy ageratum is a spreading plant that grows only to 2 feet tall. Another relative, white snakeroot reaches 4 to 5 feet tall. All are great for naturalistic or cottage plantings and for attracting butterflies.

Light:

Sun, Part Sun

Zones:

3-10

Plant Type:

Perennial

Plant Height:

2-6 feet tall

Plant Width:

2-4 feet wide

Landscape Uses:

Containers, Beds & Borders, Privacy, Groundcover

Special Features:

Flowers, Attractive Foliage, Fragrant, Attracts Butterflies, Drought Tolerant, Deer Resistant, Easy to Grow

Top Varieties

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Chocolate white snakeroot

(Eupatorium rugosum 'Chocolate') has white, fuzzy flowers on 3- to 5-foot-tall plants. Its bronzy purple foliage turns greener as the season progresses. Zones 3-7
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Gateway joe-pye weed

(Eupatorium maculatum 'Gateway') is a selection that is slightly shorter than the species, growing 4 to 5 feet tall. Zones 3-7
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Hardy ageratum

(Eupatorium coelestinum) has fuzzy, purple-blue flowers that resemble those of annual ageratum in late summer and fall. The plant spreads quickly by shallow stolons below the soil surface, so plant it with caution. Zones 4-10
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Joe-pye weed

(Eupatorium maculatum) is a striking plant for the back of the border, with 10- to 12-inch rosy flower cluster atop 5- to 6-foot-tall burgundy stems. Zones 3-7.
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Little Joe joe-pye weed

(Eupatorium 'Little Joe') is a compact plant that grows 4 feet tall, making it suitable for smaller garden. Its mauve-purple flowers begin to bloom in midsummer. Zones 3-7
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