Of course your LJ looks wonderful planted next to your water feature. I take it you like the pond Kevin?

I go back and forth about the pond. Let's just say the novelty has worn off. I'm not sure it will be there a few years from now.

Kevin

Does LJ benefit from that water at all? (As I recall doesn't Eupatorium do best with more than average water?)

Nope. The pond doesn't contribute any moisture to the surrounding soil, but since it's close to the pond and close to the front of my garden it probably gets more waterings from me.

Yes, LJ does like regular moisture. When I had it planted in a drier area of the garden it didn't do well.

Kevin

Beautiful, Kevin - TFS. I don't grow LJ or the species due to their height; doesn't work with my landscape or garden design. Tallest thing I grow is butterfly bush, and I only grow that for the obvious reasons.

Still wish I could find a Eupatorium that stayed under 3 feet.

Yep, me too, as well as one that didn't seed itself around at will. From what I've observed over the years, they seem to have quite a bit of will.

Beautiful pics, Kevin! I have some Joe Pye Weed seeds that I will wintersown this winter. I hope mine ends up as pretty as yours did!

You know, I've never found a seedling from this plant. Maybe I'm too aggressive with the hoe in spring or maybe I cut everything back too early in the fall once we have a freeze.

Kevin

This post was edited by aachenelf on Tue, Aug 19, 14 at 21:54

I'm also a huge fan of LJ! I've had mine for seven years or so and it has always stayed around 3.5 feet for me. My soil tends to be on the lean side by nature, so perhaps a contributing factor for its continued short-ness?

E. 'Baby Joe' is reputed to be even smaller than LJ...haven't tried it myself to confirm this tho!
CMK

Here is a link that might be useful: E. 'Baby Joe'

I like my little joe too, planted just last fall. I think I enjoyed it most in late spring. The growing foliage with dark stems was quite striking, IMO. Mine will probably get moved this fall as I rework several areas if the garden.

I only have the large Joe Pye, but control it by clipping it in half each year. Perhaps some trimming would help control the height in Little Joe also?