| Common Name | Joe Pye Weed, Little Joe |
| Genus | Eupatorium |
| Species | E. dubium |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Life Cycle | Perennial (USDA zones 4-9) |
| Tray Size | 32 |
| Plug Care | Avoid exposing plugs to stressful conditions while still in the plug trays - do not allow plugs to dry out, and do not allow them to become rootbound. Harden off plants before transplanting outdoors by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 5-7 days. Can be bumped up into larger cells/pots and grown on if conditions are not favorable for direct planting at time of arrival. |
| Netting / Staking | Not typically required for ‘Little Joe,’ as it has sturdy stems and a compact habit. In windy or exposed locations, light staking may be beneficial. |
| Temperature Range | Thrives in temperatures between 60-85°F. Tolerates light frost but prefers consistently warm conditions for vigorous growth. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9. |
| Spacing | 18-24" apart |
| Soil Preference | Prefers moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). Performs best in soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid dry or overly sandy soils - this is a good option for those problematic low-lying areas that remain wet for much of the year. |
| Day Length | Day-neutral. Grow in full sun for the strongest stems and most abundant blooms. Tolerates partial shade, but flowering may be reduced. |
| Pinching | Not necessary. |
| When to Plant | These are vernalized plugs that can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground is workable. They are frost hardy as long as there is no vulnerable, tender new growth. If the plugs have broken dormancy and are actively growing, protect new shoots from frost. Actively growing plugs can be planted all season until early fall. |
| Harvesting | Harvest when 50-70% of the tiny florets in the cluster have opened. Cutting too early may result in reduced vase life, while cutting too late may lead to shedding florets. Harvest early in the morning or in the evening when the plants are cool and well hydrated. Use clean, sharp tools, and remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline in your bucket. |
| Post Harvest Care | Place stems in clean, cool water immediately after cutting. Use floral preservatives to extend vase life. Change water every 2-3 days to prevent bacterial buildup. ‘Little Joe’ has a vase life of 7-10 days under proper conditions. |
| Diseases / Insects | Eupatorium is resistant to most diseases and pests. Watch for aphids and powdery mildew later in the season. |
| Bailey's Notes | For me, late summer evokes images of fields of Goldenrod and Joe Pye Weed, two of our showiest northeast natives. Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium) is naturally found in damp areas but will adapt to soil with average moisture. 'Little Joe' was trialed by the ASCFG a few years ago with good results. Regardless of what you read, it can reach 4' tall if grown in a moist environment. A great choice for those damp areas that are hard for most other crops. It can be cut in bud or when the flowers start to open for a smoky purple textural element that can be surprisingly sophisticated. |
| Resources |
Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Eupatorium dubium ‘Little Joe’ |