Plant Calculator
Enter the approximate length and width of the area you will be planting and click 'Calculate' to determine how many Eupatorium maculatum you will need.
Correct and successful spacing is complex and depends on project conditions. We encourage you to call us at 877-ECO-PLUG for project specific recommendations and further assistance.
Eupatorium maculatum
spotted Joe Pye weed
- Category: Perennial
- Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Height: 4-7 Feet
- Spread: 3-4 Feet
- Spacing: 24 Inches
- Bloom Color: Pink
Spotted Joe Pye weed grows 4-7 feet tall with mauve-pink flowers blooming in late summer to early fall. A native perennial, Eupatorium maculatum attracts swallowtail butterflies and lives happily in sunny, wet soils.
Wetland Indicator Status
| • | Falcutative Wetland (FACW) |
Plug Type
| • | Landscape Plug™ |
Propagation Type
| • | Open pollinated |
Additional Information about Eupatorium maculatum
Synonyms include Eutrochium maculatum, Eupatoriadelphus maculatus and Eupatorium purpureum var maculatum. These striking stems closely match the dusty rose-colored flowers, which bloom for weeks in July and August, attracting a wide variety of butterflies. While a beautiful addition to the landscape, it spreads readily, so careful placement is recommended in smaller garden spaces.
Topped with clusters of vibrant pink flowers in late summer, this Joe Pye Weed typically reaches around six feet tall. It thrives in moist environments, making it ideal for planting in drainage areas, along streambanks, and at the edges of ponds.
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Eupatorium maculatum
E. maculatum is a native prairie plant that thrives best in average to moist locations. This species can easily be propagated by division, seed or stem cuttings. If growing from seed, it may need to undergo a cold, moist treatment for 4-6 weeks. Transplanting in the spring can also be done. Fertilization will be of some benefit as well as staking for support. Pruning, or cutbacks, in early summer may reduce the final plant height by a few feet to make a more manageable size. In borders, the plant may need dividing every few years to maintain vigor.
Usually blooms from August-September. Flowers attract butterflies and the foliage provides food for some species of moth caterpillars.