Eupatorium maculatum

Eupatorium maculatum: Spotted Joe Pye Weed

Bold, statuesque, and deeply beneficial to pollinators, Eupatorium maculatum—commonly known as Spotted Joe Pye Weed—brings height and softness to the late-season garden. Large domed clusters of dusty mauve-pink flowers sit atop strong, wine-speckled stems, rising above lush whorls of green foliage. Blooming from midsummer into early fall, it attracts clouds of butterflies and bees while adding a naturalistic meadow feel to borders, rain gardens, and wild edges. Its upright habit and tolerance for moist soil make it a go-to perennial for both structure and ecological function.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 120–180 cm
• Spread: 60–90 cm
• Flower Colour: Soft mauve-pink
• Flowering Period: July to September
• Foliage: Whorled green leaves on tall, spotted purple stems
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Average to moist, rich soil; tolerates clay

Uses and Benefits: Perfect for naturalized borders, wet meadows, pollinator gardens, and the back of perennial beds, Eupatorium maculatum offers both presence and performance. It thrives in moist soils and supports a wide range of beneficial insects. Despite its height, it rarely needs staking and blends beautifully with grasses and fall bloomers.

Companion Plants: Pair with Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm', Panicum 'Heavy Metal', and Veronicastrum virginicum to create a richly layered, late-summer composition that hums with life and movement.

Care Instructions: Best grown in moist, fertile soils with full sun to part shade. Water regularly in dry spells during establishment. Leave seed heads standing for winter interest and wildlife value. Cut back in early spring. Divide every few years to maintain vigour.

History: Native to eastern and central North America, Eupatorium maculatum has long been valued for its wildlife support and presence in wetland ecosystems. The species name “maculatum” refers to the distinctive purple spotting on its stems.

Final Thoughts: Majestic and magnetically attractive to pollinators, Eupatorium maculatum brings structure, serenity, and biodiversity to every late-season planting.