Overview
Eupatorium cannabinum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Eupatorium, part of the Asteraceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Eupatorium cannabinum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens, coastal and cottage and informal garden.
About
Eupatorium cannabinum is a robust perennial that can reach heights of approximately 1.5 meters. It features reddish stems and dark green leaves that are palmately divided into slender leaflets. In late summer and early autumn, it produces dense, rounded clusters of small flowers that can be light pink or purple.
About the genus
Eupatorium includes a variety of growth forms, such as annuals, herbaceous perennials, subshrubs, and evergreen shrubs. The plants produce clusters of small tubular flowers, which are arranged in terminal panicles or corymbs.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Eupatorium
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Eupatorium cannabinum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eupatorium cannabinum
- Cultivation
- Grow in any moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Can spread quickly, but is very attractive to butterflies and other insects
- Pruning
- Cut back spent flowers at end of the flowering season
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in containers in cold frame, or propagate by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Eupatorium cannabinum?
Grow in any moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Can spread quickly, but is very attractive to butterflies and other insects.
Where is the best place to plant Eupatorium cannabinum?
Eupatorium cannabinum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Eupatorium cannabinum need?
Eupatorium cannabinum grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
How do I prune Eupatorium cannabinum?
Cut back spent flowers at end of the flowering season.
How big does Eupatorium cannabinum grow?
Eupatorium cannabinum reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Eupatorium cannabinum hardy in the UK?
Eupatorium cannabinum has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Eupatorium cannabinum?
Propagate by seed sown in containers in cold frame, or propagate by division in spring.
Is Eupatorium cannabinum good for pollinators?
Yes — Eupatorium cannabinum attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.