SCIENTIFIC NAME: Eutrochium x 'Phantom' (formerly Eupatorium)

COMMON NAME: Phantom Joe Pye Weed

GARDEN SIZE: 2 to 4 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 4 to 8

EXPOSURE: Full sun to partial shade

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

HABIT (FORM): Dwarf, upright, clump-forming perennial with sturdy stems

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; dark green leaves arranged in whorls

FLOWERS: Wine-red, dome-shaped compound inflorescences bloom from July to September; showy; seed heads may persist into winter

PLANT ORIGIN: Hybrid of Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum' and Eupatorium rugosum

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a host for local insects and wildlife. May provide food for insects in the spring.

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: None known

USES: Rain gardens, pollinator gardens, perennial borders, compact spaces