Eupatorium - Snakeroot

Family: Asteraceae

Common Name(s): Bonesets, Thoroughworts or Snakeroots

Native to: Temperate regions of the northern hemisphere

Flowering: Summer

Watering: Water in well at planting time and then on an occasional basis to promote growth

Planting Aspect: Full Sun, Part Shade

Preferred Climate:

 

Temperate, Subtropical, Grassland

Description

A stately, low maintenance perennial with beautiful dark burgundy-brown foliage with contrasting fluffy, creamy-white flower heads in summer. "Chocolate" refers to the leaves which are a dark brown when grown in a sunny position. The flowers attract bees & butterflies and are also good as a cut flower in vases. Ideal for growing in borders and "wild" areas around the garden. Height: 1.8m x Width up to 90cm.

Cultivation

Choose frost free, sunny to partialy shaded position in moist, average to well-drained soil with good humus content. Prepare the growing site by digging over the soil and adding a good handful of blood and bone, rich compost or well decayed animal manure prior to planting out. Water in well at planting time and then on an occasional basis to promote growth. No particular pests or diseases. No particular pests or diseases but protect them from snails and slugs. Deadhead spent flower heads to avoid any unwanted self-seeding. The plant being herbaceous dies back to the ground in winter and re-emerges in spring.