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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym

Eupatorium purpureum

gravel root

A clump-forming perennial with lance-shaped, sometimes purple-tinged leaves to 25cm long, and domed clusters of small, purplish-pink flowers in late summer and early autumn

Other common names
grass root
gravel weed
see morehardy ageratum
Indian gravel root
Indian sage
Indian sanicle
Joe Pye weed
kidney root
kidney wort
marsh milkweed
motherwort
pride of the meadow
purple boneset
purple hemp agrimony
queen of the meadow
queen of the prairie
quill wort
sisters of healing
skunkweed
sweet-scented joe-pyeweed
trumpet weed
Synonyms
Eupatorium purpureum
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Purple
Summer Pink Green Purple
Autumn Pink Green Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

A small genus of five flowering herbaceous perennial species native to North America. Erect, stout stems carry lance-shaped leaves and terminal large, fluffy clusters of many small, pink, sometimes white flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
E North America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moist soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in spring or autumn, or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back at the end of the season

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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