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
Notable features: native, deer resistant, long-blooming, cut flower, fragrant.
Pot size: one quart
Plant name: Eutrochium maculatum 'Gateway'