Felder Rushing
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
Eupatorium purpureum
Plant Common Name
Sweet Joe-Pye weed, Sweetscented Joe-Pye weed
General Description
Native to the eastern United States, sweet-scented Joe Pye weed is a bold, architectural perennial that bears large, airy clusters of pale purple flowers in mid- to late summer. Its lush green leaves are arranged in circular whorls on tall, sturdy stems, and marked with small, purple blotches at the bases. huge, dome-shaped clusters of small, lavender-pink flowers appeaer in mid- to late summer. These emit a light vanilla fragrance, and are beloved by an array of bees and butterflies.
Thriving in full to part sun, this perennial prefers moist, organic soil, but is a bit more tolerant of dry conditions than the popular cultivar 'Gateway'. Use it at the edges of ponds, in moist meadows, or as a focal point in mixed borders. It is especially lovely when combined with tall ornamental grasses and other summer-flowering perennials such as purple coneflower or black-eyed susan. Its large bloom clusters also make outstanding cut flowers.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 9
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
5'-7' / 1.5m - 2.1m
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Width
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
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Bloom Time
Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, Central United States
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam
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Tolerances
Wet Site
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Light Pink, Lavender
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
