Eutrochium fistulosum (Joe-Pye Weed)

Towering over the garden, Eutrochium fistulosum (Joe-Pye Weed) is an upright, clump-forming perennial boasting huge domed clusters of small, vanilla-scented, pinkish-lavender flowers in mid-summer to early fall. Borne atop erect, strong stems which are hollow, the long-lasting blossoms are attractive to butterflies and pollinators in search of nectar. They give way to attractive, soft buff colored seed heads which persist well into winter. Narrow, lance-shaped leaves, up to 10 in. long (25 cm), are whorled along the erect stem. Native to eastern North America, Eutrochium fistulosum provides a wonderful garden presence and late season flowers at a time when choices may be limited. Use it in the informal setting of a cottage garden or allow it to naturalize in a woodland garden.

• Grows up to 4-7 ft. tall (120-210 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-120 cm). Tall stems may need support.
• Performs best in full sun in fertile, moist, well-drained to seasonally wet soils. Appreciates some afternoon shade in southern locations.
• Very useful and adaptable in the garden, this is an excellent choice for mixed borders, cottage gardens, rain gardens, prairies and meadows, native plant gardens and naturalized areas.
• No serious insect or disease problems. Deer resistant.
• Cut plants to the ground in late winter.
• Propagate by seeds in the fall (slow germination). Propagation is also possible by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or by division. Divide the plants in fall as they go dormant, or in the spring just as shoots first appear.
• Native to North America.