6 eupatoriums for colour and structure
Eupatorium maculatum Atropurpureum Group
Tall, purple-flushed leafy stems are topped with large, dome-shaped clusters of small maroon-pink flowers from July to September. Plants rarely need support, and are wonderful for adding height at the back of the border. H&S: 7ft (2.2m).
Ageratina altissima ‘Chocolate’
Held above bronze-chocolate foliage, the long-lasting, pure white flower heads appear from July, then keep popping up – often as late as November. A fabulous clump-former that is particularly appreciated by butterflies and bees. H&S: 4ft (1.2m). reclassify eupatoriums into several separate genera. For instance, the popular incense bush (formerly Eupatorium ligustrinum) is now called Ageratina ligustrina. There are many other examples – which means you may find the same thing listed by different nurseries under different names. It’s confusing, but to my mind these are great plants, whatever you call them.
Ageratina ligustrina
Sometimes called ‘snakeroot’, privet-leaved ageratina is a smaller form of eupatorium that features bronze-green foliage and heads of slightly fragrant fluffy grey-white flowers from August to November. It may grow slightly larger in a really sheltered position. H&S: 39in (1m).
E. capillifolium AGM
Good for coastal gardens and milder parts of the country; sneeze weed’s upright stems are clothed in soft, bright green, needle-like leaves. It’s grown as a foliage plant – the flowers are tiny, and appear just as autumn frosts cut back the stems. H&S: 61/2ft (2m).
E. maculatum (Atropurpureum Group) ‘Riesenschirm’ AGM
Known by some as ‘rise-and-shine’ (take a look at the cultivar name and you’ll see why). Produces lovely deep green leaves and, between August and October, large umbrella-shaped heads of fluffy wine red flowers, carried on dark stems. H&S: 8ft (2½m).
E. cannabinum
Hemp-like leaves – on tall, reddish stems – provide the perfect foil for the flat heads of tiny pink flowers, which appear from July to September. This British native perennial is another butterfly magnet, and suits growing near a pond edge. H&S: 5ft (1½m).