Cait's Garden

That’s right. I said Joe Pye Weed. Kind of an ugly name for a pretty plant, right? So let’s agree to call it Eupatorium. This native plant has gotten the star treatment from horticulturists lately who have given us gardeners choices other than the traditional 6-foot-high Joe Pye Weed. The plant shown in the photo is a hybrid called “Phantom”  that only reaches 3 to 4 feet high. Perfect for most home gardens. I use mine to help screen my vegetable garden. The pale pink flower heads are just starting to bloom now, so they are great for a midsummer boost. I find the dark red stems especially striking against the lighter green leaves. Plus, this is a sturdy plant that does not flop. Just what I need to weather the storms of July in Chicago!