Spotted Joe Pye Weed is a one often preferred for gardnes that its relative, Joe Pye Weed, as it is half the size coming up 4-6'. It loves the moist to wet soils inlcuding clay, loam or sand. It is one again that is underserving of weed in its name as its not aggressvie in seeding out. It does grow into large clumps that are able to be divided depsite the deep roots it sends out.
This is a must for any butterfly, pollinator or wildlife garden as it attracts numerous amounts of butteflies, bees and pollinators. Bumblebees will use this for cover so if you are workign on helping rare bumblee species, this is a good plant that should be part of your plan.
It's native range is the Midwest, but due to its non-aggressive nature it has been introduced in gardens and restoration projects across much of the the United States. Most gardeners will divide this to increase its numbers or collect seed to moist stratify.
Botanical Names: Eutrochium maculatum
- USDA Zones 3-7, some success to zones 8
- Mid-Summer flowering
- 6' stalks
- Bloom Duration: All Summer
- Cold Hardy
- Full Sun (some partial sun is ok)
- 1 packet will cover 50 sq ft, 1/2 oz covers 1000 ft
Bloom Color: Red-Pink
Key Planting Tips
Instructions: Germination is increased by a 30- day cold treatment in slightly damp paper towels in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Seed can also be directly sown into a prepared seedbed in fall, or in early- to mid-spring. Requires a rich loam, clay, or slightly moist sandy soil.
Alternatively Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before planting out or direct sow after treating the seeds or in early spring or late fall
- Germination: 20-25 Days
- Plant Outdoors: 2-3' Apart
- Light: Full Sun to partial sun