Overview

Eupatorium maculatum 'Riesenschirm' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Eutrochium, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall and 1.2 m wide. Eupatorium maculatum 'Riesenschirm' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, cottage and informal gardens and flower borders and beds. It is native to Maine, Newfoundland, Québec, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode I. and New York.

About

A clump-forming perennial in the Asteraceae, Eupatorium maculatum 'Riesenschirm' produces rose-purple flowerheads from July to September that attract pollinating insects. It is deciduous and suits full sun or partial shade on a wide range of soils. The plant tolerates both moist and poorly drained ground and can be placed on south-, west- or east-facing sites. Hardiness is H3, so choose a sheltered spot in colder locations.

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

In the garden

Eupatorium maculatum 'Riesenschirm' is a clump-forming perennial from North America, grown for its summer display of rose-purple flowerheads. As a member of the Asteraceae it flowers reliably in July to September and is noted for drawing butterflies and honeybees to the border. Position it where it receives full sun or some afternoon shade; it will also tolerate partial shade. Soil preferences are broad: chalk, clay, loam or sand are all acceptable provided the moisture regime suits the plant. It thrives in moist but well-drained conditions and will persist in poorly-drained ground where many other perennials struggle. Aim for a south-, west- or east-facing aspect and sites that are either exposed or more sheltered, according to the garden’s microclimate. Hardiness is H3 (borderline) so in colder UK gardens a sheltered position or a frost-protective mulch will reduce winter dieback. Use Eupatorium maculatum 'Riesenschirm' in wildlife gardens, cottage or informal borders and mixed flower beds where its summer flowerheads provide structure and nectar. Its summer display and pollinator value make it particularly useful toward the rear of a border or in damp planting pockets where other perennials may decline. Its July–September flowerheads are reliably visited by bees and butterflies.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Eutrochium

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H3

Plant details

Eupatorium maculatum 'Riesenschirm' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

1.5 m

Spread

1.2 m

Suggested uses

Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal gardens, Flower borders and beds

Native to

Maine, Newfoundland, Québec, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode I., New York

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Eupatorium maculatum 'Riesenschirm'

Cultivation

Prefers moist, rich soil; can tolerate wet conditions; divide clumps in spring to maintain vigor

Pruning

Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring

Propagation

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

Pest resistance

Slugs, Aphids

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions