How big does Spotted Joe Pye weed grow?

About 2 m × 1 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 1.2–2.5 m × 0.5–1.2 m.

What soil does Spotted Joe Pye weed grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, calcareous, acidic.

Is Spotted Joe Pye weed hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Spotted Joe Pye weed flower?

Flowering: July–October, pink, purple.

How much water does Spotted Joe Pye weed need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

Spotted Joe Pye weed

Eupatorium maculatum

Spotted Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium maculatum) is a perennial that reaches 2 m × 1 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low.

Illustration of Spotted Joe Pye weed — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A tall North American perennial: its purple-spotted stems carry huge, flat, mauve-pink flower heads from midsummer into early autumn, and butterflies and bees love them. Put it at the back of a border, beside a pond or rain garden, or in a naturalistic planting where its height of around two metres can show. It likes sun or light part shade and moist, fertile, even wet soil; it is late to sprout in spring, so do not give up on it, and cut the dry stems down at the end of winter.

Watch out for

It has no serious pests or diseases. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe, however, it suffers when the soil dries out: the leaves scorch and turn brown, so water it regularly in droughts and mulch the base. In windy, exposed spots the tall stems may lean over.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: High
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 2 m × 1 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D July–October, pink, purple

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	2 m × 1 m
Ultimate size	1.2–2.5 m × 0.5–1.2 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	July–October, pink, purple
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	70 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	no data

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 19, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials for clay soil Perennials for pollinators Low-maintenance perennials Fragrant plants Fragrant perennials

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