SCIENTIFIC NAME: Eutrochium perfoliatum 'Blind Date' (formerly Eupatorium), PP35173

COMMON NAME: Blind Date Boneset

GARDEN SIZE: 4 to 5 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Vigorous

USDA ZONE: 3 to 8

EXPOSURE: Full sun (tolerates part shade, but with reduced foliage color)

WATER & SOIL: Medium to wet; tolerates clay soil and wet conditions. Drought tolerant once established.

HABIT (FORM): Upright, sturdy; robust clump-forming perennial

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; chocolate-red foliage maturing to bronze-red in full sun, shiny leaves

FLOWERS: Milky white, buds form mid-July; blooms mid to late July into August/September; strong pollinator magnet

PLANT ORIGIN: Nativar of a species native to eastern North America, specifically from Nova Scotia to Florida, and west as far as Manitoba, Nebraska, the Dakotas, and Texas (including Tennessee).

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Excellent nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Provides seasonal cover for small wildlife and may support seed-eating birds. Host plant for local butterflies and moths.

FERTILIZING: Minimal; grows well in average soils. May give a root stimulant or 4-3-3 fertilizer during initial planting, then feed lightly in late winter or early spring with compost or an organic fertilizer if desired.

PRUNING: Cut back to just above soil level in early spring to encourage dense regrowth. Leaving stems, leaves, and spent blooms over the winter benefits native pollinators and wildlife.

TOXICITY FLAGS: All parts are toxic and bitter; historically used medicinally

USES: Rain gardens, native and wildflower gardens, pond edges, woodland gardens, borders, cottage gardens