Hemp Agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum f. cannabinum 'Flore Pleno' (d)
ABOUT
Eupatorium cannabinum f. cannabinum 'Flore Pleno,' commonly known as Hemp Agrimony 'Flore Pleno', is a decorative perennial plant that features a bushy and clump-forming appearance. Its stems are upright, robust, and carry a lush mass of foliage. The leaves are individually attractive, being compound with serrated edges, often resembling the shape of hemp leaves, from which the common name is derived. The Hemp Agrimony 'Flore Pleno' is most striking for its flower heads. Unlike the species' typical flat-topped arrangement, 'Flore Pleno' offers clustered, pompom-like flower heads that are intensely packed with filament-like petals. These blooms present a soft, often pastel-like, hue ranging from pale pink to mauve. The dense and double flowers contribute to a frothy, feathery look that can add a textural contrast to garden spaces. As a cultivar specifically bred for its ornamental value, Hemp Agrimony 'Flore Pleno' carries a more visually impactful version of the species' natural allure, with its flowers playing a starring role in its appearance. The plant's overall impression is one of lush greenery and whimsically fluffy blossoms that can bring a touch of wild yet refined beauty to a garden, border, or naturalized area.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Hemp Agrimony, Holy Rope, Raspberries And Cream
Common names
Eupatorium dubium, Eupatorium purpureum, Eupatorium fistulosum, Eupatorium serotinum, Eupatorium teucrifolium, Eupatorium perfoliatum.
ToxicityTo humans
Hemp agrimony, as the most common common name for Eupatorium cannabinum f. cannabinum 'Flore Pleno', contains potentially toxic compounds, particularly in the leaves and stems. Ingesting parts of the plant may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Liver damage is also a potential consequence of consuming this plant in significant quantities due to the presence of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. It's important that humans avoid ingesting parts of this plant and seek medical attention if poisoning is suspected.
To pets
Hemp agrimony is toxic to pets as well. If a pet consumes parts of this plant, symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. More severe cases may lead to liver damage due to the toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids contained in the plant. It is critical to prevent pets from ingesting any part of hemp agrimony and to consult a veterinarian immediately if ingestion occurs.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: The double-flowered form of Hemp Agrimony, or Eupatorium cannabinum 'Flore Pleno', is attractive to butterflies and other beneficial insects, providing a source of nectar.
- Ornamental Value: With its distinctive double blossoms, Hemp Agrimony adds aesthetic value to gardens, borders, and naturalized areas.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Hemp Agrimony requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners looking for low-maintenance planting options.
- Drought Tolerance: Hemp Agrimony can tolerate periods of dryness once it is well-rooted, which is useful in drier climates or during temporary water restrictions.
- Riparian Planting: Because it naturally occurs in damp areas, it is ideal for planting alongside streams or ponds where it can help stabilize banks and provide habitat.
- Wildlife Habitat: Hemp Agrimony provides shelter and breeding sites for insects, which in turn support birds and other wildlife in the ecosystem.
- Long Flowering Period: It has a long blooming period that extends from mid-summer to early autumn, providing long-lasting visual interest.
- Adaptable Growth: The plant is adaptable to a range of soil types, although it prefers moist, fertile ground, making it versatile for different garden situations.
- Companion Planting: It can be planted in combination with other moisture-loving plants to create diverse and attractive plantings in damp garden areas.
- Naturalization: Hemp Agrimony is suited for naturalistic plantings and can be used to create meadow-like gardens or to blend into wildflower areas.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Water filtration: Eupatorium cannabinum, commonly known as hemp agrimony, can be used in constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment, utilizing its ability to uptake contaminants.
- Erosion control: Due to its robust root system, hemp agrimony can help stabilize soil along riverbanks and slopes, mitigating erosion and soil loss.
- Dye production: The plant can be used to produce a natural dye, though it's not commonly practiced, the leaves may yield a green dye that can be used in traditional fabric dyeing techniques.
- Companion planting: Hemp agrimony is believed to attract beneficial insects to the garden, making it a suitable companion plant for vegetable and fruit cultivars that require pollination.
- Ornamental dried flower: The 'Flore Pleno' variety, with its double flowers, can be dried and used in flower arrangements to add a touch of nature indoors during the winter months.
- Garden design: This plant serves as an excellent background specimen in a mixed border due to its height and the architectural form of its flower heads, contributing to garden aesthetics.
- Wildlife gardening: Hemp agrimony is particularly valuable for creating habitats for wildlife; its flowers are a nectar source for butterflies and bees, while its seeds feed birds.
- Bioremediation: Research on hemp agrimony's potential for phytoremediation is emerging; it may assist in the removal of heavy metals from polluted soils.
- Frost indicator: The plant is prone to some of the first frosts, making it a natural indicator for gardeners to monitor the onset of colder temperatures.
- Photography and art: Its striking appearance when in bloom provides an excellent subject for photographers and artists who focus on natural landscapes and botanical illustrations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Hemp Agrimony is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Hemp Agrimony is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Eupatorium cannabinum, commonly known as Hemp-agrimony, has historically been used for medicinal purposes, so it often symbolizes healing and health.
- Protection: With its robust and hardy nature, Hemp-agrimony can be seen as a symbol of protection, offering a shield against various ailments.
- Strength: The vigorous growth of Hemp-agrimony can represent strength and resilience, reflecting the plant's ability to thrive in various conditions.
WaterHemp Agrimony should be watered regularly, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season in spring and summer, watering may be required once or twice a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Generally, applying approximately 1-2 gallons of water per week should be sufficient. During the dormant period in fall and winter, reduce watering frequency to avoid oversaturation, as the plant's water needs decrease. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again.
LightHemp Agrimony thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Ideally, place the plant in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. However, it should be protected from the intense, midday sun in very hot climates, which might be achieved with light shade during the hottest part of the day.
TemperatureHemp Agrimony is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives in conditions between 60°F and 75°F. It can withstand temperatures down to around 5°F. To ensure the health and robust growth of the plant, avoid exposure to temperatures below this range for extended periods.
PruningHemp Agrimony should be pruned to maintain its shape and encourage fuller growth. Deadhead spent blooms to promote additional flowering and prune back the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. This is also the ideal time to cut back any dead or damaged stems to improve the plant's overall health and appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHemp Agrimony 'Flore Pleno' prefers a moist, fertile, loamy soil with good drainage. A mix containing two parts loam, one part peat, and one part sand or perlite would be ideal to ensure moisture retention and good drainage. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingHemp Agrimony 'Flore Pleno' doesn't often require repotting as it is primarily grown in outdoor gardens. If grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot is sufficient to maintain health and vigor.
Humidity & MistingHemp Agrimony 'Flore Pleno' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels but thrives in environments where the humidity is moderate to high. It does well outdoors where the natural humidity level generally suffices.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Hemp Agrimony 'Flore Pleno' near a window, ensure bright, filtered light.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, keep soil moist, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleEupatorium cannabinum f. cannabinum 'Flore Pleno', commonly known as hemp-agrimony, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in early spring, provided with moist soil and adequate light. The seedling emerges and develops into a rosette of leaves, engaging in vegetative growth until it is mature enough to produce a sturdy stem and flower. During the summer, typically between July and September, the plant reaches the flowering stage, displaying its characteristic double-flowers which attract a host of pollinators, crucial for the next stage of reproduction. After pollination, the flowers produce fruits in the form of achenes that are released as the plant begins to die back in autumn. Over winter, the plant remains dormant, with the seeds overwintering in the soil or being dispersed by wind and water. The following spring, the seeds that have found suitable conditions will germinate, completing the cycle and starting a new generation of hemp-agrimony.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Hemp Agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum f. cannabinum 'Flore Pleno') is by division, which is typically done in spring or autumn. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established plant and use a sharp spade or knife to divide the root ball into two or more sections, making sure that each section has a good amount of roots and a few shoots. These sections can then be immediately replanted in well-prepared soil, spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart, to allow for growth. Water the new plants well after planting and maintain moist soil conditions as the plants establish. Division helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become woody or less vigorous, promoting healthier growth and more prolific blooming in subsequent seasons.
