Description
Eupatorium purpureum
CT DR RG P
Soil: Fertile, Humusy, Well-drained
Moisture: Moist
Light: Full to Part Sun
Plant Height: 5 to 7 feet
Plant Width: 2 to 4 feet
Pests: None
Landscape Value: Spectacular when grown in groups or as a dramatic accent plant in wildlife gardens or wet meadows. Good as a background plant in perennial borders, on wooded edges, in low moist ground, and along pond edges.
An erect, clump-forming perennial with dark green leaves growing in whorls of 3-4 on sturdy green stems with purple blotches at the nodes where leaves originate. Tiny, fragrant, mauve pink flowers in large terminal clusters bloom mid-summer to early fall. Flowers mature into buff-colored seed heads that persist through winter. Plants can be pinched back in early summer to promote bushier growth. Hollow stems make good nesting material for solitary bees. Plants can be cut back in late winter, but leave 6-18” of stems for bee nest sites. Tolerates clay soil, wet soil and black walnut. Highly attractive to butterflies, moths, and bees. Larval host to Eupatorium Borer moths, Three-lined Flower moths and others.
5-pint pot
Photo credits:
North Creek Nurseries
Mt. Cuba Center
