This tall biennial or perennial is a native of Asia where it inhabits forests and grasslands. It’s statuesque habit gives it a strong sculptural presence in the garden . The large dark green leaves are coarse and deeply divided. The erect stem is reddish purple, branched, and bears large umbels up to eight inches across of small reddish purple flowers in late summer. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies and the seeds that follow in the fall are attractive to birds. If the flowers are removed before the seeds are set the plant is might appear for 2-3 more years. If the flowers are not removed the plant may self seed. Use in the back of a border to give height and late season color, or cut and enjoy in a vase for up to two weeks.
Type: Herbaceous biennial or short lived perennial.
Bloom: Large umbels of small reddish purple flowers in late summer
Size: 3-6’ H x 3-6 W
Light: Part shade to full sun with adequate moisture
Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained
Care: Remove flowers before seed set to encourage perennial life cycle
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, snails, slugs, leaf miners, powdery mildew
Propagation: Seed (need light for germination)
Companion Plants: Rudbeckia ‘Goldstrum’, hearty ageratum (Eupatorium coelestinum), late season sneezeweed (Helenium), oxeye (Heliopsis).
