Joe Pye weed "Atropurpureum" (Queen of the Meadow, Spotted Joepyeweed)

Spotted Joepyeweed "Atropurpureum" (Queen of the Meadow) - Eupatorium maculatum.
Ornamental solo perennial for damp places from the family: Asteraceae.
Origin: Eastern USA.
Wide corymbs of wine-red flowers on tall red stems, suitable for cutting into bouquets.
Flowering plant height: 180-200 cm.
Distance between plants: 75 cm.
Natural flowering period: July - September.
Winter hardiness zones: Z4 - Z8.
Location: prefers open areas, but tolerates partial shade and shade.
Soil: unpretentious, but loose, nutritious soils are desirable. Moisture-loving.
Reproduction: seeds, dividing the bush in autumn and spring, cuttings. When growing from seeds, there are no difficulties. Seedlings are small, so it is recommended to sow in a protected ground.
1,0 g = 3500 seeds.
Flowering occurs in 2-3 years. Divide bushes in spring or late summer. Radical cuttings are cut in early spring, stem cuttings - in the first half of summer.
Use: in group plantings, most often in the background, for cutting. Suitable for decorating the shore of the reservoir.

Alfred de Breanski.

Family: Asteraceae, Compositae.
Origin: Eastern USA.
Special Features: Broad corymbs of rose-purple flowers on tall red stems.
Distinction: Award of Garden Merit (A.G.M.) from The Royal Horticultural Society.
History: The common name, Joe Pye, came from a 19th century Caucasian "Indian Theme Promoter" who used this plant medicinally.
Colour: Rose-purple.
Natural Flowering Period: July - September.
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z4-8.
Growth Habit: Tall and erect.
Foliage: 3 - 6 lanceolate leaves in whorls.
Height with Flower: 200 cm.
Spacing between Plants: 75 cm.
Soil Requirement: Moist soils, pH 5.8 - 6.8.
Location: Full sun to partial shade.
Use: A wonderful perennial for planting in the wild garden or the back of the border with Knautia macedonica, Rudbeckia subtomentosa and Veronicastrum (Veronica) virginica "Alba".
Specialities: A plant of great architectural merit.
Cultural Tips: Grams per 1000 seeds: 0,5. Seeds per Gram: 2000.
Seeding Recommendation: 2 g / 1000 plants. Sowing Rate: 4 seeds per cell.
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72s or open flats.
Germination: The sowing must be kept warm (about +18 to 22°C) and moist for the first 2-4 weeks. After this period the sowing must be kept at a cold temperature (between -4 and +4°C) for another 4-6 weeks. It is not so important if the temperature is higher of lower during the cooling period, but the cooling period has to be prolonged because the synthesis of the germination inducer, homonlike acid, slows down or comes to a standstill. It is beneficial to cover the sowing with snow during the cooling period. After this cooling period the sowing may not be immediately exposed to high temperatures. The most effective temperatures are between +5 to 12°C, even if germination has started. The best location for this sowing, even in March, April and May, is open field, the cold frame or a cold greenhouse.
Scheduling.
Best Sowing Date: November - March Sowing to Germination: 8 - 10 weeks Germination to Transplant: 4 - 8 weeks Transplanting to salable Plant: 6 - 10 weeks Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Cut-back once to keep more compact Growing On: Container Size(s): 1-2 plugs per 11/12 cm; 2-3 plugs per 15 cm.
Vernalization: There is no current research on vernalization but a prudent recommendation for any perennial would be 6-12 weeks (a few might need 15 weeks!) at an average daily temperature of 5°C. Exposure to cold may not be necessary for flowering but might improve quality.
Forcing: This species is not a suitable candidate for forcing. Fertilization: Medium (150-200 ppm).

Hardy Herbaceous Perennial. Flowers: Late Summer to Autumn. Height: 5 feet.
Position: Sun or Partial Shade. Ideal For: Border, Cottage Garden. Germination: Easy. Aftercare: Easy.
Excellent architectural border plant for autumn flowering, producing lots of deep red stems crowned with panicles of wine red flowers.
Sowing Instructions: Sow from January to late June, early sowings will flower the same season. Sow on the surface of a good seed compost and just cover the seed with a thin layer of compost or vermiculite. Make sure the compost is moist but not wet and seal inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 21-40 days at 18-24 oC. To speed this up place in a fridge, after sealing in the polythene bag, and leave at 3-5 oC for 2-3 weeks, then place in warmth, inspect regularly while in the fridge and remove immediately if they start to germinate.
Growing Instructions: Transplant when large enough to handle into 7,5 cm pots. Later plant out 1m apart into moist but well drained soil in sun or part shade.

 
Joe Pye weed, spotted Joepyeweed. Bot. syn.: Eupatoriadelphus maculatus (L.), Eupatorium purpureum L. var. maculatum (L.) Darl.