Harbingers of Fall - Part I - Eupatorium


Eupatorium fistulosum (Trumpetweed [ref. * ITIS Database]) is, I think, sometimes confused with E. maculatum or E. purpureum. I've seen catalog descriptions that called it "Spotted Joe-Pye-Weed" or "Hollow Joe-Pye-Weed" and proceeded to describe a plant that could be either. Clausen and Ekstrom in Perennials for American Gardens describe it as having hollow, purple stems, so the name "Hollow Joe-Pye-Weed" does make some sense. Catalog descriptions — I've not found any in botanical references — say that it is a tall grower, reaching 6 to 10 feet (2 to 3+ meters). It is generally agreed that it likes moist soil and will flower in sun or partial shade. I have read in various catalogs that you can cut them back, in early summer, to create shorter, more bushy plants. I think this is likely true of all the tall species, although I have not tried it myself. My local deer herd has pruned my 'Gateway' a few times, however, and the result was more but smaller flowerheads.

These plants form clumps that can be divided in early spring. The root mass is heavy and congested, with thick, whitish roots — much like that of a Daylily (Hemerocallis) — and requires a bit of work to separate. I've found that if the soil is somewhat dry when you dig, really vigorous shaking will often separate each crown, which can then be replanted in a new location. They don't require division, but it is one way to increase your planting. They will also seed around mildly if conditions suit them. I've got some in my gravel parking area (the seedbed of the world) and have potted a number to plant in other parts of the garden. They seem to seed true — at least 'Gateway' does.

Joe Pye Weeds are great for the middle or back of a moist border where their flower heads will make a feature, even after the flowers fade to a pinkish brown.

Eupatoriums are some of the most important plants used in herbal medicine. If you are interested in native herbs with medicinal qualities, Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset), might be a nice one to include in your collection. Hardy to USDA zone 3, it is also rhizomatous and reaches about five feet (152 cm) in height. While the flower heads aren't as showy as Joe Pye Weed, the leaf form is pretty neat. The

The copyright of the article Harbingers of Fall - Part I - Eupatorium in Shade Gardening is owned by Marge Talt. Permission to republish Harbingers of Fall - Part I - Eupatorium in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Go To Page: 1 2 3 4

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic