Eupatorium capillifolium Elegant Plume

Eupatorium 'Elegant Plume' is derived from Eupatorium capillifolium, a curious North American perennial species that owes its species name, capillifolium, to the resemblance of its thread-like leaves to hair (in Latin, capilla). Growing to human height, this variety is composed of stems adorned with soft green feathery foliage, ending in light panicles of inconspicuous flowers in summer. This plant, with its airy and infinitely delicate appearance, will find its place in shrub or perennial beds, adding a touch of lightness. Its blurred yet wild aspect gives a slightly wild air to the garden.

Eupatorium capillifolium is a large herbaceous perennial of the Asteraceae family, native to the eastern and southern parts of the United States. Unlike other Eupatorium species, this one is not limited to marshy or permanently wet areas, and it tolerates periods of drought if it has a deep soil. It is found in the wild along roadsides, in lightly ploughed fields, fallow lands, as well as in disturbed habitats or areas recently burned by fires.

Eupatorium 'Elegant Plume' is a sterile horticultural hybrid that does not produce seeds and is not at risk of becoming invasive. This plant forms a large clump of leafy stems that can reach a height of 1.80 m (6ft) under favourable conditions.  It spreads weakly in width through its rhizomatous stump, occupying no more than 60cm (24in) of soil. The stems, covered with short hairs, are branched, vertical, hollow but sturdy, and bear finely cut leaves that appear thread-like. This aromatic vegetation, containing essential oils, emits an unpleasant odour when crushed. Flowering occurs in late summer, usually from August, and continues into September. At the tips of the green stems, branched panicle inflorescences emerge, somewhat loose, carrying numerous tiny cream-pink to uncertain greenish flowers arranged in heads. The deciduous foliage dries up and disappears in winter.

EupatoriumElegant Plume , a delightful curiosity for botany enthusiasts, is an easy-to-grow plant that withstands cold, temporary droughts, insects, and diseases. For the garden, it plays the same role as fennels, lightening the blooms or foliage of more robust perennials. For example, it can be planted next to perennial sunflowers, beautiful grasses (Panicum, Miscanthus...), autumn asters, salvias, Perovskia, dwarf abelias, and many others.