Eupatorium Purpureum and Ligularia for Gardens
Growing Summer to Autumn Flowering Perennial Plants in Landscapes
Oct 28, 2009
Eupatorium purpureum and Ligularia stenocephala are big impact strong structural plants that fit best in large landscapes because of their dramatic foliage and flowers. Both perennial plants prefer a site with a lot of organic matter in a moist environment.
Naturalizing Landscapes with Joe-Pye Weed
Joe-pye weed, botanically known as Eupatorium purpureum, is an American native plant that easily looms large at 7’ tall in naturalized settings when planted near water. The Joe-pye weed is hardy in zones 4 – 9.
Eupatorium is identified by whorled lancelolate leaves up to 12” long that, when crushed, give off a vanilla scent. The flowers are huge panicles approximately 18” in diameter that bloom in late summer through fall, easily able to be part of an autumn planting. Joe-pye weed is healthiest when grown in full sun in moist soil. Once established, Eupatorium can withstand abbreviated drought conditions.
A perennial maintenance schedule for Joe-pye weed should include cutting the plant back to approximately 3’ in late spring to early summer, but rarely includes dividing. Eupatorium reseeding however, can be an issue for gardeners.
One may need to choose dried seed heads in the garden versus cleaning out extra seedlings in spring. Gardeners appreciate the winter interest in the garden after the growing season is over and small birds often use the dried plant material for protection from harsh weather.
Eupatorium has many species and cultivars, some shorter than the straight species, for example:
- Eupatorium maculatum ‘Gateway’ has rosy pink flowers, grows to 6’ tall and hardy in zones 2 – 9.
- Eupatorium maculatum ‘Atropurpureum’ has wine colored panicle shaped blooms on a 5’ tall plant.
All Liguarlia are massive plants that add a tropical appearance to a garden. They lend drama with the average 5’ – 6’ plant height and heart shaped leaves that have dentately edged margins. The foliage appears layered at the base forming a clumping habit; leaves are also along the stems. Ligularia have two flower forms, upright spikes and flat-topped daisy shapes, that bloom mid summer through fall. The plant prefers part sun or part shade and growing in moist soil.
Ligularia stenocephala ‘The Rocket’ is a popular cultivar with spiked flowers shooting up from the base of a 4’ tall plant. The long narrow yellow spires open up with blooms from bottom to top.
Ligularia attract butterflies and bees to any garden landscape; however, it is not appropriate for native plant gardeners. Ligularia originates from eastern Asia. For gardeners in North America, it is hardy to zone 4.
Ligularia does not need dividing to keep it healthy. The flower heads are very good for fall and winter interest in gardens. However, it is unlike Eupatorium in that the plant will not withstand drought conditions.
Eupatorium and Ligularia are large perennial plants that are the proper scale for big landscapes, especially to attract wildlife. Both plants are low maintenance choices given the correct garden location where winter interest can be appreciated.
Permission received for all photos used in this article.
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