Eupatorium mac. 'Red Dwarf' — Clump forming

Overview

Eupatorium mac. 'Red Dwarf' is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Eupatorium, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Eupatorium mac. 'Red Dwarf' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.

About

Eupatorium mac. 'Red Dwarf' is a clump-forming member of the Asteraceae with deciduous foliage and a flowering season from July to October. It suits sites in full sun or partial shade and tolerates clay or loam soils across a wide pH range. The cultivar accepts both moist but well-drained and poorly drained conditions and will grow in exposed or sheltered positions. Its compact clump habit makes it useful toward the rear of herbaceous borders and in informal planting schemes.

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 mac. 'Red Dwarf' is a clump-forming Asteraceae cultivar with deciduous leaves and a clear flowering window from July to October. The name indicates its place within the Eupatorium group; as a clump former it establishes as a distinct mound rather than a sprawling ground cover. Position plants in full sun or partial shade; the cultivar copes on south-, west-, east- or north-facing aspects. It tolerates clay and loam soils and a full range of soil pH from acid to alkaline, so it suits many established beds. It will grow in both moist yet well-drained situations and in heavier, poorly drained ground, and it performs in exposed as well as sheltered sites. In UK hardiness terms it is rated H7, meaning it is fully hardy through winter conditions across the country. Use Eupatorium mac. 'Red Dwarf' in wildlife gardens, cottage or informal schemes, and at the back of flower borders and beds where its clump-forming habit provides vertical interest while it flowers from July to October. Its steady clump shape holds the line at the back of borders through the late-summer and autumn flowering season.

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: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Eupatorium mac. 'Red Dwarf' size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Eupatorium mac. 'Red Dwarf'

Propagation: Seed sown in containers in spring or autumn, Division in spring
Pest resistance: Susceptible to aphids, slugs
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Eupatorium mac. 'Red Dwarf'?

Eupatorium mac. 'Red Dwarf' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Eupatorium mac. 'Red Dwarf' need?

Eupatorium mac. 'Red Dwarf' 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.

Is Eupatorium mac. 'Red Dwarf' hardy in the UK?

Eupatorium mac. 'Red Dwarf' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Eupatorium mac. 'Red Dwarf'?

Seed sown in containers in spring or autumn, Division in spring.

More in the Eupatorium genus

Browse all Eupatorium →