Eupatorium maculatum Atropurpureum Seeds

Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum' or Spotted Joe-Pye Weed is a tall and robust perennial. It forms large, mossy lilac flowerheads on wine-coloured stems that tower over contrasting dark green foliage.

Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum' is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Asteraceae family, native to North America. It has an upright, bushy habit and generally grow to 2 m in height for a spread of 1 m. Its beautiful, deep dark green deciduous foliage is made up of lanceolate leaves. Terminal flower heads are arranged in large, 20 cm corymbs on sturdy wine-coloured stems, like fuzzy lilac pompoms. Although fairly late to appear, they flower throughout the summer until late October. Plants remain ornamental until winter thanks to seed heads topped with small, fluffy tufts which are gently dispersed by the wind.

Eupatorium maculatum Atropurpureum is an easy-going, undemanding plant. It is resistant to insects and diseases and attracts lots of pollinators, especially butterflies. Cold-hardy down to -15°C, it prefers damp or even marshy growing conditions and is ideal for growing at the edge of a pond. It adapts to all types of soil but prefers moist, rich and well-drained soils. Spotted Joe-Pye Weed looks great in wild, naturalistic gardens alongside double-blooming Eupatorium cannabinum Plenum. Cut back the stems in late autumn to maintain a compact habit.