Eutrochium dubium 'Little Joe'

Dwarf Joe Pye Weed Asteraceae

Joe-Pye Weed with its elbows tucked in. ‘Little Joe’ is a compact, strongly upright selection of the eastern North American Eutrochium dubium, producing sturdy, relatively stiff stems clothed in whorls of dark green, toothed leaves. From July into September, generous domed clusters of tiny lavender-pink to mauve flowers appear at the stem tips, attracting a remarkable assortment of butterflies and other late-season pollinators. 

Unlike the often statuesque species, ‘Little Joe’ was selected for its shorter, more compact habit, stronger stems, smaller inflorescences and greater drought tolerance. It was discovered by Steve Lighty growing among seedlings at Conard-Pyle Nursery in Pennsylvania and subsequently introduced by the Conard-Pyle Company. US Plant Patent PP16,122 was granted in 2005. 

Excellent in sunny borders, prairie planting, rain gardens and naturally moist ground. Despite its compact reputation, it can still reach around a metre or more in good soil—Little Joe is smaller, not actually little.

Height: 90–120cm
Spread: 60–90cm
Flowering: July–September
Hardiness: H7, approximately −20°C or below
Aspect: Sun or partial shade
Soil: Moist to wet, but adaptable

Botanical note: Kew/RHS now place this plant in Eutrochium, with Eupatorium dubium treated as a synonym. The cultivar is therefore correctly written Eutrochium dubium ‘Little Joe’, although Eupatorium dubium ‘Little Joe’ remains extremely common in horticulture

Please note: depending on the time of year, some plants may be cut back before dispatch. This is normal horticultural practice and helps ensure plants arrive in good condition and establish strongly after planting.