Purple Stemmed Thoroughwort

Eupatorium semiserratum

 

Purple Stemmed Thoroughwort is a little-known native perennial, growing 4 to 5 ft. tall and wide. The purplish colored stems break through the soil in spring and provide interest before the white flowers open in summer. Hardy from zones 7 through 9.

 

How to grow

Plant Purple Stemmed Thoroughwort in sun to part shade. Plants prefer moist, well-drained soil, but are surprisingly adaptable, tolerating periodic drought and flooding. Flowering stems are sturdy and rarely fall over. Cut stems back to ground level anytime during the winter.

 

Where to plant

Plant Purple Stemmed Thoroughwort at the edges of wetlands and ponds, rain gardens, flower beds, butterfly and wildlife habitat gardens.

 

Wildlife attracted

The large white flower clusters of Purple Stemmed Thoroughwort swarm with pollinators and butterflies during summer.

 

Where found in the wild

In the coastal plain, Eupatorium semiserratum occurs on the edges of swamp forests and riverbanks from Virginia south into Florida. It is uncommon in southeastern North Carolina.

 

Source and origin

Plants grown from seeds collected on a riverbank in Pender County, North Carolina.

 

Comments

Unassuming in the wild, Purple Stemmed Thoroughwort dramatically improves its appearance in the garden.

 

Propagation

Viable seed usually germinates within a couple weeks, when the temperature rises above 80°F (27°C).