Perennial
No butterfly garden is complete without a Joe Pye weed! Formerly known as Eupatorium, these nifty native perennials burst on the summer scene with big, foamy, bright pink flowers that attract butterflies by the score. Star-like whorls of foliage punctuate the red stems of this towering - 6'+ tall - plant for a beautiful geometry and texture to carry your garden through the entire growing season.
If 'Gateway' gets a bit too large for your space, consider 'Little Joe' instead.
Vital Details:
Plant Size: 4 - 5' tall and 1.5 - 2' wide.
Light: Full sun (6+ hrs/day).
Water: Average to wet.
Hardiness: USDA zone 4-8 (Find your hardiness zone)
Pollinator Value: Attracts butterflies, especially swallowtails, monarchs, and painted ladies, as well as other pollinating insects.
Host Plant To The Following: Over three dozen species of butterflies and moths including Great Tiger moth, Three Lined Flower moth, Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, and more.
Notable Features: Native, deer resistant, long-blooming, cut flower, fragrant.
Pot size: One quart
Plant name: Eutrochium maculatum 'Gateway', or Spotted Joe Pye Weed
