Eupatorium (Joe-Pye Weed)
at Digging Dog

Including Eupatorium purpureum & Eupatorium rugosum

Eupatorium (perennials)

Joe-Pye Weed

Many have discovered the curative aspects of Eupatorium, yet only two have lent it their names: Eupator, a King of Pontus, and an American Indian named Joe-Pye. We prescribe these uncommon perennials for whatever ails your garden. Some delegate this rather coarse and undeniably bold member of the Asteraceae family to meadow gardens, but we’ve found that Eupatorium can provide balance and stability to formal situations as well. Best of all, butterflies love them!

Eupatorium purpureum    

This robust cousin is from the taller side of the family (up to 6 or 7 ft.), and shares the wine red stem coloring of its smaller kin. Eupatorium purpureum features a stately carriage with broad, domed heads hosting purple-mauve flowers. It’s tough, reliable and effective for the back of the border.

Blooms September–October.

Size: 6' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 4.

Eupatorium purpureum (p-1081)
Each $7.00
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Eupatorium purpureum ssp. maculatum ‘Gateway’    

In late spring, ‘Gateway’s vigorous shoots burst through the mulch. Wine-red stems develop large green coriaceous leaves, lending mass to the middle or back of the border. The dense, broad flower clusters bloom in a lavender-purple that’s both strong and soft. This uniquely muted shade feels like fall, and blends well with other late bloomers. Try it with Rudbeckia or Aster cordifolius.

Blooms August–September.

Size: 4' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 4.

Eupatorium purpureum ssp. maculatum ‘Gateway’ (P-0067)
Each $7.00
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Eupatorium rugosum ‘Chocolate’    

Sumptuous and shiny, the crinkled reddish chocolate foliage adorns the erect purple stems of this superb new cultivar, selected by Richard Lighty from the eastern native Snakeroot. With Physocarpus ‘Dart’s Gold’ as a neighbor, Eupatorium ‘Chocolate’ adds deep rich accents to our mixed border, and in late summer, corymbs of tiny white flowers at the stem tips seem to sparkle against the dark foliage.

Blooms August–September.

Size: 4' high x 2-1/2' wide; hardy to zone 4.

Eupatorium rugosum ‘Chocolate’ (P-0691)
Each $7.00
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Eupatorium (shrubs)

Eupatorium ligustrinum  

Butterflies and garden visitors alike will flock to this fragrant Mexican beauty. Small bronzy green leaves and stems fashion a dense, twiggy evergreen shrub that broadcasts a luminous last hurrah when fluffy masses of large, flat white flower heads nearly engulf its upright frame.

Discovered in 1867, Eupatorium ligustrinum creates an extraordinary and easily maintained backdrop for a mixed planting. It appreciates well drained soil, periodic deadheading and protection from wind and winter cold. Zone 8/9.

Blooms August – November.

Size: 8' high x 6' wide; hardy to zone 9.

Eupatorium ligustrinum (S-0714)
Each $9.00
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