Time for JPW in the Garden!

Joe Pye Weed (JPW), aka Eutrochium pupureum, is not a weed at all. Those darn common names can sometimes be so cruel! You may still refer to JPW by its former Latin name – Eupatorium, recently taxonomists changed the name to Eutrochium purpureum. One thing we know, this hardy perennial, a northeast native, continues to charm gardeners and butterflies with its clusters of pink, vanilla-scented flowers in the mid-summer to early fall garden.

The details on Joe Pye Weed: this sun to part shade loving perennial enjoys moist, fertile soil. Spend a little time preparing the soil before you plant and you will be rewarded. The addition of compost or composted manure will improve the quality of poor soil. Provide ample soil moisture for JPW to grow and thrive. Dry soil conditions can lead to leaf scorch (marginal burn of the leaves). Allow room for growth as plants can reach heights of 4-6’ and widths of 2-4’ in the garden or landscape. Think of it as a background plant that looks wonderful when massed or planted in groups.

Why plant Joe Pye Weed? They are wonderful as cut flowers for informal bouquets. Persistent seed heads (after the flowers) can add interest to the winter garden; some gardeners claim that goldfinches love them. Plants can be cut back to the ground in late winter to prepare for spring growth. And if you garden in deer country, JPW is reported to be deer resistant.