Perennial

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. Sold in local shops from about PLN 18.

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
July–October, pink, purple

All details

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 from about PLN 18

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

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size
Typical price
size not stated approx. PLN 18 – PLN 27

Frequently asked questions

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

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