Eupatorium rugosum 'Chocolate'

Eupatorium 'Chocolate' Chocolate Snakeroot

Common Name: Chocolate Snakeroot, Joe-Pye Weed

Mounds of dark bronze-purple leaves with deep purple stems provide a sharp contrast to the puffy clouds of clustered, white flowers which look much like the annual Ageratum. As the season progresses, the leaves become dark green.

Unlike other Eupatoriums, this species forms large, bushy mounds that are attractive from all angles. This is a terrific background plant for the summer blooming garden. It is even quite tolerant of dry shade. One of the all-time best purple perennials.

Height:

3.0-4.0 Feet

Spread:

2.0-3.0 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7

Flower Color:

White Shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Midsummer Late Summer Early Fall

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Eclectic Rain Garden Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Mass Planting Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Grow eupatorium in either full sun or partial shade. Well-drained soil is a must for this plant. Moist, average, and dry soils are fine as long as they have good drainage. Plants should be cut all the way back after they are finished flowering. They may be propagated by division in the spring or fall by cutting the base into equal sized root clumps and quickly replanting the divisions before the roots dry out. Caution: all parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested.

Characteristics