How to plant Eupatorium
Versatile Eupatoriums (Joe-Pye Weed ) create a splash of colour in late summer and autumn when many other perennials have faded away. These upright herbaceous perennials are topped with clusters of long-lasting, nectar-rich blooms, offering a tempting feast for pollinating insects. Fuss-free and low maintenance, they grow happily in most conditions once established, except for very dry soils. Over time, Joe-Pye Weed forms a dense clump which returns every year.
How to plant
- Plant Eupatorium in the spring between February and May, ideally within a week of delivery.
- Soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting.
- Pot into temporary 2 litre (15-20cm diameter) pots, using a good quality multi-purpose compost. Plant the so that the roots are fully submerged and the buds level with the soil surface, or any leaves/shoots exposed.
- Grow them on in a sheltered spot outside. They can be transplanted to borders in a suitable location after 2-4 months, once growth is established, or when the plant is easily removed from the pot with the soil held intact by the roots.
- Eupatorium prefers a moist, well drained, fertile soil. It flourishes in clay soils but will also adapt well to sandier conditions provided that they remain reliably moist in summer. Choose a position in full sun or light shade.
- This perennial is fully hardy and does not require winter protection.
- Water-in after planting and keep hydrated when in growth, particularly during the first year.
Aftercare
- Eupatorium will start to produce new growth in spring. Flowers follow in late summer and early autumn. The stems will naturally die back in late autumn and can then be cut back to 5-10cm above the soil surface.
- Although some varieties can be quite tall, they rarely need staking. However taller varieties can benefit from a ‘Chelsea chop’ in late May to reduce the current seasons growth by half. This produces a more compact and sturdy plant later in the summer.