Overview
Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Eutrochium, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall and 1.2 m wide. Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, naturalized areas and pollinator gardens. It is native to Maine, Newfoundland, Québec, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode I. and New York.
About
Eutrochium maculatum, the spotted Joe Pye weed, is a North American species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is widespread through much of the United States and Canada.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Eutrochium maculatum
About the genus
Eutrochium is a North American genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. They are commonly referred to as Joe-Pye weeds. They are native to the United States and Canada, and have non-dissected foliage and pigmented flowers.
Wikipedia contributors, "Eutrochium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Eutrochium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Eutrochium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5 m
- Spread
- 1.2 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, naturalized areas, pollinator gardens
- Native to
- Maine, Newfoundland, Québec, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode I., New York
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, fertile soil; tolerates wet conditions; mulch to retain moisture
- Pruning
- Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Division in spring or fall; seed propagation possible but less common
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum'?
Prefers moist, fertile soil; tolerates wet conditions; mulch to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum'?
Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum' need?
Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum'?
Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum' grow?
Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum' reaches a height of 1.5 m and a spread of 1.2 m.
Is Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum' hardy in the UK?
Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum' 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 maculatum 'Atropurpureum'?
Division in spring or fall; seed propagation possible but less common.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
