Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium maculatum (Atropurpureum Group) 'Orchard Dene'
ABOUT
The 'Orchard Dene' is a cultivar of the spotted Joe Pye weed, known for its striking appearance and is a perennial plant. The leaves of this plant are typically a dark green color and can have a whorled arrangement along the sturdy, sometimes purplish stems. The foliage provides a lush backdrop for the prominent flower heads. The blossoms are perhaps the most remarkable feature. They are usually a dusty pink or mauve color and form fluffy, dome-shaped clusters atop the stems. These flower clusters create a dramatic visual impact and tend to be quite large and showy, attracting various pollinators such as butterflies and bees to the garden. The stems themselves are rigid and upright, with a slightly rough texture and can sometimes have a deep, reddish-purple tint, which adds to the plant's ornamental appeal. Overall, the 'Orchard Dene' has a bushy and full appearance, with a natural, almost wildflower-like grace that can enhance the aesthetics of a garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Spotted Joe-Pye Weed, Purple Joe-Pye Weed, Joe Pye Weed.
Common names
Eupatoriadelphus maculatus (Atropurpureum Group) 'Orchard Dene', Eupatorium purpureum 'Orchard Dene', Eutrochium maculatum (Atropurpureum Group) 'Orchard Dene'.
ToxicityTo humans
Joe-Pye Weed is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, if ingested in large quantities, it may cause mild upset stomach or an allergic reaction in some individuals. The overall risk of serious toxicity is low, and most people will not experience any symptoms from casual contact or ingestion of small amounts.
To pets
Joe-Pye Weed is also not known to be highly toxic to pets. Similar to humans, the ingestion of large amounts of the plant may lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always advisable to prevent pets from consuming plants to avoid any potential issues. If a pet does consume a significant amount of Joe-Pye Weed and exhibits adverse symptoms, consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: 'Orchard Dene' is popular among butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, which can improve pollination of surrounding plants.
- Ornamental value: The plant has striking purplish-pink flowers and a robust, statuesque form that can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife support: It provides nectar and habitat for native wildlife, contributing to biodiversity.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Late-season blooms: Its late summer to fall flowering period adds color to the garden when many other plants are fading.
- Easy propagation: It can be easily propagated by division or from seed, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings or share with others.
- Naturalizing: The plant can spread and naturalize in suitable areas, creating a full, lush garden look with minimal effort.
- Cold hardy: It is resilient in cold climates, enduring frost and below-freezing temperatures without significant damage.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Joe Pye Weed can be utilized as a natural dye, where different parts of the plant yield different colors when used in dye processes.
- The plant's sturdy stems can be used in basket weaving; crafters may value the straight, fibrous stalks once dried.
- Its large, robust shape allows Joe Pye Weed to be used as a privacy screen or living fence in a naturalistic garden setting.
- Joe Pye Weed can serve as an overwintering habitat for beneficial insects and pollinators, offering protection amidst its dense vegetation.
- The plant can be crushed and used as a form of temporary insect repellent due to the aromatic compounds in the foliage.
- Joe Pye Weed's attractive flower heads can be dried and used in floral arrangements to add a wildflower look to bouquets or indoor displays.
- In a permaculture garden, Joe Pye Weed is valuable for its ability to improve soil quality through its deep-rooting system that aerates the soil.
- Some gardeners may use it as a focal point in rain gardens, as it's efficient at managing soil erosion and excess water due to its dense root network.
- The seed fluff from the plant can be gathered and used as a filling for small pillows or as tinder for starting fires.
- Gardeners might plant Joe Pye Weed to create a butterfly garden, as it is a host and nectar plant that attracts a variety of butterflies, including monarchs and swallowtails.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Joe Pye Weed is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Joe Pye Weed is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Eupatorium species are sometimes called "Joe-Pye weed" after a Native American herbalist who used these plants for various remedies, thus the plant carries connotations of healing and medicinal properties.
- Protection: The tall, sturdy nature of Eupatorium might be seen to symbolize protection, offering a sense of safety and shelter.
- Overcoming obstacles: This plant can thrive in tough conditions and has the ability to overcome environmental challenges, symbolizing determination and resilience.
WaterJoe-Pye weed should be watered deeply and less frequently, encouraging strong root growth. In the growing season, if there's no rain, water the plant thoroughly once a week with about 1-1.5 gallons per watering, depending on soil drainage and temperature. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During periods of extended heat and no rain, water twice a week. In cooler weather or when the plant is not in active growth, reduce the frequency of watering to prevent overwatering.
LightJoe-Pye weed thrives in full sun to partial shade. For optimal growth and flowering, plant it in a location where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate light shade, but too much shade may result in a leggier plant with fewer blooms.
TemperatureJoe-Pye weed is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, surviving minimum winter temperatures down to about -20°F. The ideal growing temperature range for the plant is between 60°F and 70°F during the day. Joe-Pye weed can tolerate summer heat well, but ensure it has enough water during particularly hot conditions.
PruningJoe-Pye weed should be pruned to remove spent flower heads and encourage a second flush of blooms. Deadheading after the first bloom can stimulate a later display in the fall. Cut back the stems to the ground in late fall after frost has killed off the top growth or in early spring before new growth begins to keep the plant tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJoe-Pye weed prefers a rich, moist soil mix with good drainage. A recipe for the best soil would include equal parts of garden soil, compost, and peat moss, with a layer of mulch on top to retain moisture. The ideal soil pH for Joe-Pye weed is between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingJoe-Pye weed, being a perennial, does not typically require repotting as it is often grown directly in the garden. However, if grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot is advisable.
Humidity & MistingJoe-Pye weed thrives in average to high humidity levels. While specific numbers are not stringent, ensuring that the plant is in a naturally humid environment or a moist garden area will suffice for its growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit room & water when soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, rich moist soil, naturalize in garden.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleEupatorium maculatum 'Orchard Dene', commonly known as Joe-Pye weed, begins its life cycle as a dormant seed which germinates in late winter or spring when soil temperatures warm up. The seedling emerges and develops a rosette of leaves at the soil surface, gradually forming a sturdy stem that can reach up to six feet tall. Throughout spring and summer, the plant grows vigorously, producing lance-shaped, whorled leaves along its stem. By late summer, the plant reaches maturity and displays its characteristic dome-shaped clusters of mauve-pink flowers that attract a variety of pollinators. After pollination, the flowers produce small seeds that are distributed by wind or wildlife. In autumn, the plant's aerial parts die back to the ground, and it overwinters as rootstock or seeds, ready to restart the cycle the following year.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer
Joe-Pye Weed is commonly propagated by division, which is typically done in the spring before new growth begins. To propagate by division, first carefully dig up an established clump of Joe-Pye Weed, taking care not to damage the root system. Shake off the excess soil and gently separate the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy set of roots. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were growing at originally, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to ensure adequate room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets, and continue to provide water as needed until they are established. This method is popular for its simplicity and effectiveness in creating new, robust plants that will mature and flower in the same season.
