Meet Eupatorium maculatum (Atropurpureum Group) ‘Riesenschirm’ (Joe-Pye Weed), the superb plant that commands attention with its tall, reddish stems and captivating domed heads of rosy purple flowers in high summer. As its purplish flowers gracefully age, they take on a fluffy charm, adding to its allure.
This beloved plant is not just a treat for your eyes; it’s a favorite among bees, butterflies, and a variety of pollinators, infusing your garden with vibrant life.
Wondering which plants make the perfect companions for Eupatorium? Let’s explore three delightful combinations to elevate your garden:
Same Flowering Time, Unique Structure: Select plants that bloom alongside Eupatorium but possess different flower structures. Imagine the beauty of flat Eupatorium inflorescences juxtaposed with the delicate allure of Veronicastrum, Persicaria amplexicaulis, Agastache, Lythrum or the ever-charming Buddleja davidii.
Different Flowering Times, Year-round Interest: Enhance your garden’s appeal with a succession of blooms. Pair Eupatorium with Salvias, Geums, Geraniums, Digitalis, or Alliums. They’ll bring vibrant splashes of color in June-early July while Eupatorium gains its vegetative mass. As the summer progresses, Eupatorium rises, adorned with buds, offering a breathtaking accent from August onwards.
The Best of Both: For a grand ensemble, combine both approaches. Surround the Eupatorium with plants blooming simultaneously, yet boasting distinct flower structures. Then create a second block of plants that bloom in early summer, ensuring a harmonious display throughout the season.
If you’re eager to explore more plant combinations and gain valuable insights on creating your own flower bed with Eupatorium, be sure to check out my “Perennial Combinations workbook.” Inside, I’ll share my top 12 easy-to-grow plants for full sun, carefully selected to attract various pollinators, with a special focus on those beloved by butterflies.
Download and print your copy of this workbook.
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