The original uploader was Pollinator at English Wikipedia. / CC BY-SA 3.0
Overview
A towering native perennial named after a legendary Mohican healer, Joe-pye weed produces massive domes of dusty pink-purple flowers that are butterfly magnets of the highest order. Growing 5-8 feet tall, it brings bold, natural beauty to rain gardens, stream banks, and the back of perennial borders. Named after Joe Pye, who reportedly used it to cure typhus during colonial times.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH5 — 7
Soil TypeMoist to wet, fertile soil; loves consistent moisture
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — Jun | Plant in spring; native to moist meadows; grows 4-7 feet tall |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | Jul — Sep | Late summer bloom; huge dusty-pink flower heads attract butterflies |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant in spring; prefers consistently moist soil; full sun to part shade |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | Jul — Sep | Blooms mid-late summer; top butterfly magnet |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in spring; majestic at back of border; vanilla-scented flowers |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | Jul — Sep | Peak bloom late summer; leave seed heads for winter interest |
| Moderate (5-7) | Divide | Mar — Apr | Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring; large root mass |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in late winter/spring; needs moisture |
| Warm (8-9) | Bloom | Jun — Sep | Extended bloom; butterflies flock to flowers |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Nov — Dec | Plant in fall; needs constant moisture in hot zones |
| Hot (10+) | Bloom | Jun — Aug | Summer bloom; keep well-watered |
Uses
Other Uses
- Premier butterfly and pollinator garden plant
- Rain garden and moist meadow restoration
- Dramatic vertical accent in naturalistic plantings
