THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 14, 1994 TAG: 9408100039
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ROBERT STIFFLER
LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
ONE OF THE more interesting plants in bloom now is joe-pye weed, a familiar wildflower in wet meadows.
It grows from 5 to 7 feet tall, with large clusters of fragrant, soft violet-purple flowers. It is a handsome and imposing plant, although somewhat coarse. The flowers are good for bouquets or can be dried for winter arrangements.
Its botanical name is Eupatorium fistulosum, but since there are several Eupatoriums, be careful that you're buying the one you want. It also is sometimes listed as ``queen-of-the meadow'' or ``trumpetweed.''
This plant will grow in sun or shade and plants should be no closer than four feet apart. It forms clumps and will spread out as it matures. It likes an acid soil, which makes it ideal for Hampton Roads.
Joe-pye weed is often difficult to find. Smithfield Gardens and McDonald Garden Centers carry it in 1-gallon containers that cost $6 to $7 each.
If you know a friend who grows it, the plant can be divided easily. It is available by mail from Woodlanders, 1128 Colleton Ave., Aiken, S.C. 29801; the catalog costs $1. Niche Gardens, 1111 Dawson Road, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27516, also carries it; the catalog costs $3. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
Joe-pye weed is a familiar wildflower in wet meadows.
by CNB