About

Eupatorium fistulosum 'Ivory Towers' is a cultivar of Eupatorium (family Asteraceae) valued for its late-season flowering. It produces blooms from July to October. The selection name 'Ivory Towers' identifies this particular strain within the species. Its long flowering period makes it useful for extending nectar availability into autumn.

About the genus

Eupatorium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, containing from 36 to 60 species depending on the classification system. Most are herbaceous perennials growing to 0.5–3 m (1.6–9.8 ft) tall. A few are shrubs.

Wikipedia contributors, "Eupatorium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Eupatorium

In the garden

Eupatorium fistulosum 'Ivory Towers' belongs to the genus Eupatorium in the Asteraceae and is a named garden selection of that group. In its native range the species is associated with damp, fertile sites; this cultivar keeps the same late-summer to autumn flowering habit, producing its flowers from July to October. The extended bloom period makes it a reliable source of nectar well after many summer perennials have finished. Plants of this type favour soils that retain moisture and have good organic content; in cultivation they perform best where roots do not dry out completely. A position with sun or light shade will encourage the best flowering while keeping soil reliably damp supports sturdy stems and sustained bloom. Stems are typically upright and the flowerheads provide a vertical element through late summer and into autumn. In a UK garden place Eupatorium fistulosum 'Ivory Towers' towards the back of a mixed border, beside ponds, or at the edge of a wildflower meadow where its late-season display can be appreciated and where it contributes nectar for bees and butterflies. Pruning or cutting back after flowering can tidy the patch, but the main horticultural value is the prolonged flowering period from July to October and the structural presence it gives at that time of year.

More in the Eupatorium genus

• 
  Eupatorium ageratoidesWhite Snakeroot
• 
  Eupatorium cannabinumhemp agrimony
• 
  Eupatorium cannabinum 'Plenum'Hemp-agrimony 'Plenum'
• 
  Eupatorium purpureumJoe Pye Weed
• Eupatorium mac. 'Red Dwarf'