Description
The proper naming on this one is difficult to untangle. I have been growing it for many years as ‘Jocius’ Variegate’ snakeroot, a strain that was often distributed under the species name Ageratina aromatica or Eupatorium aromaticum, and I previously sold the seeds as Ageratina ‘Jocius’ Variegate’. I’ve suspected for a while that it is actually tall boneset (Eupatorium altissimum), but the plants I have don’t neatly fit into any species descriptions I’ve found so far. Just in case the plants I have now are somehow different the original ‘Jocius’ Variegate’ (E. altissimum is native in PA, so perhaps some crossing was involved?), I figure that Eupatorium ‘Variegatum’ is a suitable moniker.
Really, the name doesn’t matter; what matters is that this is a nice-looking plant! It grows in clumps of branching, 4- to 6-foot-tall stems that carry light yellow- to cream-streaked leaves are topped with heads of fluffy white flowers in late summer into fall. The overall effect is like that of a white-flowered Joe-Pye weed, and the flowers are as attractive to pollinators. The variegation on this strain comes mostly true from seed and is brightest in spring, becoming more subtle as the growing season progresses. It varies from plant to plant, and even in the stems on a single plant. I collected these seeds from plants with particularly showy markings. Just keep in mind that, like other eupatoriums, this one can self-sow freely if not deadheaded. Perennial; Zones 4 to 9.
Collected in late October 2023. At least 20 seeds. Unknown ecotype. Shipping to US addresses only.
Please read the germination information as well before ordering.
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