Go Back Joe Pye Weed Little Joe

Posted: May 7, 2019 at 4:00 PM
Eupatorium dubium 'Little Joe'
    Butterfly IconDeer Resistant Icon

    Plant Type: Perennials

    Joe Pye Weed has long been used in large gardens and parks to attract butterflies in late summer and fall. However, most varieties grow very large and are difficult to incorporate into the average home garden. Scaled down for city gardens, this compact selection looks similar to E. 'Purpureum' but is half the size. Large, domed, panicles of mauve-purple flowers on dark purple-red stems. At a height of only 3-4 feet, it easily fits into the middle to rear of the flower border or even in large containers. They attract butterflies in droves (Monarchs love this plant!). This plant is also nice for adding color in the garden at a time when many other plants are finished for the season.

    Currently not available for online purchase.

    Growing & Maintenance Tips:

    Grow eupatorium in either full sun or partial shade. Well-drained soil is a must for this plant. Moist to average soil is fine as long as there is good drainage. Plants should be cut all the way back after they are finished flowering. They may be propagated by division in the spring or fall by cutting the base into equal sized root clumps and quickly replanting the divisions before the roots dry out. Caution: all parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested.

    Flower Color

    Mauve-purple

    Foliage Color

    Green

    Plant Spread

    2-3 ft.

    Good Companions

    Bee Balm (Monarda ), Butterfly Bush (Buddleia), Coneflower (Echinacea ), Grass-Ornamental (Pennisetum orientale), Iris-Siberian (Iris sibirica), Loosestrife-Variegated (Lysimachia punctata), Phlox-Tall Garden (Phlox paniculata), Stonecrop-Variegated Autumn (Sedum )

    Plant Height

    3-4 ft.

    Scape Height

    —

    Hardness Zone

    3-8

    Soil Moisture

    Average and consistent water needs

    Characteristics & Attributes

    Attributes

    Container, Mass Plant, Border, Cut flower or foliage

    Bloom Time

    Late summer to early fall

    Critter Resistance

    Deer resistant

    Exposure

    Full sun to part shade

    Growth Rate

    Medium

    Seasonal Interests

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