Eutrochium 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 rootgravel 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 purpureumSize
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
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
H7Botanical 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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.