Ruby Joe-Pye Weed

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

2 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 9

The tall branching stems of the Ruby Joe-Pye Weed or Eupatorium purpureum feature green lance-shaped foliage with serrated edges and are topped off with clusters of delicate flowers. This mounded beauty blooms during the summer and fall and can grow to over 2 feet tall, so it can anchor a large space or dominate a smaller area. As a North American native, the Joe-Pye Weed is low maintenance and requires very little care to look amazing. 

Feature the Eupatorium purpureum in borders or mass plantings. This large filler can also be grown in containers. The tiny flowers are a draw for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Deer and rabbits do not favor the greenery, so this plant is excellent for areas prone to nuisance animals. This hardy plant is frost tolerant and grows as a perennial in USDA 4a through 9a.

Ruby Joe-Pye Weed Plant Care

Full sun is necessary for this plant to thrive, but partial shade is ideal, especially from the afternoon sun. Newly planted Joe-Pye Weed will require consistent water, and the soil should never be allowed to dry out. Established plants will not need water often, especially if grown near a stream or in an area with damp conditions like where the plant would naturally grow. Soil should be moist but well-draining and have a pH of 5.0 to 8.0. 

Fertilize this plant using a slow-release plant food in the spring and again midsummer. Routine pruning around June can keep the plant at a manageable size and prevent flowers from weighing down the branches. It may be necessary to stake the plant if the flower-laden branches start to lean too much. Cut the plant back to 4 to 8 inches tall in the fall or early spring. 

Ruby Joe-Pye Weed Plant Spacing

This Ruby Joe-Pye Weed is a vigorous grower that can reach 24 to 32 inches tall. The flowering branches will spread out about 24 to 28 inches wide. Space plants 24 to 28 inches center to center to create a consistent mass planting.