Joe-Pye Weed: A Towering Beauty

Of the herbaceous perennials at Minnetrista, Joe-Pye weed is one of the skyscrapers, reaching 7–8 feet tall. Although it’s slow to get going—it’s one of the last plants to start growing in spring—its height soon surpasses most plants around it.

This Joe-Pye weed in Oakhurst towers over me!

Given its height, Joe-Pye weed is great for adding a bold presence to the back of the perennial border. Or it can act as a screen. It needs a little room to spread as it can form wide clumps. But don’t worry, it isn’t aggressive.Besides its imposing presence, Joe-Pye weed also has beautiful blooms, ranging from white to pink to purple. Bloom period is from mid-summer to fall. You’re sure to see native insects such as monarch butterflies visiting Joe-Pye weed.

Currently the Joe-Pye weed cultivar ‘Bartered Bride’ can be seen flowering in Minnetrista’s Larval Garden. As the name suggests, it has white blooms. You can also find the native species of Joe-Pye weed in the Oakhurst Gardens and in the East Lawn rain garden.

A long border of Joe-Pye weed growing in Oakhurst.

Not all Joe-Pye weed cultivars are mammoths. Plant breeders have successfully created smaller cultivars, such as ‘Phantom.’ ‘Phantom’ reaches 3–4 feet and has dark pink blooms. It’s perfect for a smaller space, like in the Four Seasons garden next to The Orchard Shop.

Joe-Pye weed is quite adaptable. It can be grown in full sun to partial shade and will tolerate a wide range of soil types. It is also deer resistant.

Joe-Pye weed likes moist soil, so be sure to give it extra water during dry times. I’ve seen the leaves on ours in the Larval Garden brown from the bottom up during the fall. This browning can leave the plants looking very unattractive, so we usually cut them back. Otherwise, leave them standing through the winter to provide cover for birds and other wildlife.‘

Bartered Bride’ Joe-Pye weed in the Larval Garden. This cultivar stands roughly 8 feet tall. The white blooms have passed their peak.

To find out more about Joe-Pye weed, check out Chicago Botanic Garden’s study on Joe-Pye weeds. Twenty-six cultivars were tested and rated according to their performance.

Come by and check out the Joe-Pye weed at Minnetrista. Maybe you’ll want one for your garden!