Joe Pye Weed
A Vertical Accent with Dusky Mauve Flowers
This tough native perennial brings height to the back of border.
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium fistulosum) is an herbaceous perennial that brings a burst of color to the garden in late summer to early fall, in zones 4-8. Native to North America, this tall and statuesque plant is perfect for adding height to borders or as a backdrop in mixed flower beds. Joe Pye Weed, also called Boneset, is a favorite of butterflies, bees and pollinators, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. With its attractive, sturdy burgundy stems, this low-maintenance stunner thrives in moist, well-draining soils and is generally left alone by deer (though no plant is completely deer-resistant!). Whether you're looking to enhance your garden's visual appeal or support local wildlife, Joe Pye Weed is a versatile and vibrant choice that won't disappoint.
Planting companions Joe Pye Weed and Hubricht’s Threadleaf Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii).
How Do I Care for Joe Pye Weed?
Caring for Joe Pye Weed involves a few essential steps to ensure its healthy growth and vibrant appearance. This North American native perennial thrives in moist to wet soil and full sun. When planting, choose a location that provides these conditions and offers ample space for its tall, sturdy stems. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, is crucial to maintain the moisture levels the plant prefers (check drought conditions for your area here). Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Popular Cultivars of Joe Pye Weed
Confusion often surrounds the Latin name of Joe Pye Weed. Initially classified as Eupatorium, this perennial underwent a taxonomic shift when it was reclassified under the Eutrochium genus due to distinct genetic differences. However, lingering use of the older Eupatorium name persists, and further complicating the confusion, several Joe Pye Weed cultivars exhibit strikingly similar appearances. Many designers, home gardeners, and retail nurseries use the different genus and cultivar names interchangeably. Despite its various names and potential confusion, finding Joe Pye Weed at a nursery is easy due to its distinctive characteristics and popularity among gardeners. Some of the most popular cultivars of Joe Pye Weed you will encounter are:
Spotted Joe Pye Weed - Eutrochium maculatum. Very similar to Eutrochium fistulosum with slight differences in stem color, flower arrangement, and habitat preference.
‘Gateway’ - Eutrochium maculatum ‘Gateway’. A very popular selection and slightly shorter than the species (to 5 feet high), with a compact form and dusky mauve flowers.
‘Little Joe’ - Eutrochium dubium ‘Little Joe’. A compact, shorter selection that grows to 4 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide.
‘Baby Joe’ - Eutrochium dubium ‘Baby Joe’. A smaller selection that grows 3-4 feet tall and has flat-topped flower heads.
‘Phantom’ - Eutrochium maculatum ‘Phantom’. Compact and heavily flowering; grows to 3 feet tall.
Landscape Design Ideas for Joe Pye Weed
Joe Pye Weed is a great choice for a strong vertical to anchor the back of any border or garden bed; it has strong stems that rarely need staking. It’s a natural choice for any butterfly or pollinator garden, where it can feed pollinators in the late summer as other perennials begin to fade. If you have the space, combine Joe Pye Weed with tall coneflowers (Rudbeckia grandiflora), switch grass (Panicum virgatum), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), and mountain mint (Pycnathemum muticum), to create a stylized meadow.
Planting Companions for Joe Pye Weed
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Hubricht’s Threadleaf Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii)
Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’)
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea or Echinacea purpurea ‘White Swan’)
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
Tall Coneflower (Rudbeckia grandiflora)
The pointed, roughly textured leaves and burgundy colored stems of Joe Pye Weed.