Eupatorium maculatum (Atropurpureum Group) Riesenschirm (Joe-Pye Weed)

Perfect for the back of a border, Eupatorium maculatum (Atropurpureum Group) 'Riesenschirm' (Joe-Pye Weed) is a very architectural perennial, prized for its huge, densely packed clusters of rich pink-purple flowers in late summer and fall. Borne atop sturdy burgundy stems, the blossoms are attractive to bees and butterflies in search of nectar. They give way to fluffy seedheads that persist well into winter and provide food for the birds. They are particularly striking when covered in hoar frost or snow. The foliage is also very handsome with its lance-shaped, deep green leaves radiating from the stem to form a whorl of 3-4 leaves.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• This upright perennial grows up to 5-7 ft. tall (150-210 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
• Combines beautifully in striking color combinations with other perennial plants such as Asters, Helianthus or ornamental grasses. Very useful and adaptable in the garden, this is an excellent choice as an accent plant, or for borders, cottage gardens, meadows, wild gardens, rain gardens. Good as cut flowers too!
• Low maintenance and trouble-free, Joe Pye Weed performs best in full sun to part shade. It thrives in average, medium to wet, well-drained soils. Fertile, moist soils are preferred. It will tolerate salt, clay and wet soils, but not dry sites. This plant does not perform well during hot, dry summers.
• Deer and rabbit resistant.
• Propagate by division in spring
• Eupatorium maculatum is a North American native found in moist woods and meadows from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas.