Joe Pye weed Interesting Notes

Eupatorium dubium ‘Little Joe’ is a selection discovered by Steve Lighty at Conrad-Pyle Nursery down the road. There it was, settled among other seedlings of Eupatorium dubium, noticeably different from its upright and compact stature, lavender-mauve flowers, and drought tolerance. Covered in dusty pink blooms in late July through September, ‘Little Joe’ is a fantastic scale for the garden or in a container and has become an industry standard when a Eupatorium is needed in a designed setting. Coming in at 3’-4’ high, it spreads slowly to 3’ wide over a few years. One of the top-rated Eupatoriums evaluated by the Chicago Botanic Garden; ‘Little Joe’ has excellent flower power, disease resistance, and habit.

The straight species, Eupatorium dubium, originates from coastal areas along the East coast, from Maine to Florida. Preferring moist sites in full sun, this plant can be found in moist meadows, wet fields, and shores of rivers or lakes. ‘Little Joe’ performs well in average to rich soil in full sun to light shade conditions. It is important that this plant does not fully dry out – drought conditions will lead to withered leaves and an unkempt appearance.

Recently, Eupatorium was redefined taxonomically and Eupatorium dubium is now known as Eutrochium dubium. In the trade, however, joe-pye weed is still commonly referred to as Eupatorium.

‘Little Joe’, like many other Eupatorium, is covered in pollinators while in bloom. Additionally, the flowers are wonderful for cut flower arrangements and the seedheads are attractive when dried. 

Eupatorium dubium 'Little Joe' Growing and Maintenance Tips

Thrives in moist, fertile soils. If soil should dry out, the leaves may appear scorched. This prairie plant is easily propagated by seed, cuttings, division and may also be transplanted in spring. Cut back in early spring and fertilize to promote bushier growth. May be used as a backround plant in border gardens, in meadows and in areas in which it may naturalize. Cut back after winter's end. Hollow stems are good solitary bee nesting material - if possible, leave 6-18" of stem up for nesting bees. 

Good Substitutions

Eupatorium purpureum ssp. maculatum 'Gateway'

Eupatorium 'Phantom'

Eupatorium purpureum 'FLOREUPRE1'