The Gardens

Ageratina / White Snakeroot

6/26/2011 just after transplant
Ageratina altissima
'Chocolate' 

I think this is an Ex-Plant now. I didn't see it in 2015.

This used to be called Chocolate Joe Pye Weed and was in the Eupatorium class, but it is now Ageratina, white snakeroot.

It has deep colored foliage and very pretty white flowers in September. The foliage is darkest early in the season and then turns greener in late summer.

When it is even slightly dry or in the heat of afternoon it wilts, but immediately perks up with some water.

It is supposed to be sturdy and compact, and the deep dark foliage color really stands out. It's nice upright shape.

September 28, 2011 in bloom

June 5, 2012 just peeking above the Frosty Morn sedums

June 16, 2012  A nice foliage contrast

In 2012 I don't remember the pretty white flowers late in the season. This plant may have been eaten or struggled in the hot dry summer; in any event, it was not visible in the garden after late June.

Once again, in 2013 this white snakeroot did nothing. Its dark foliage peeked up in spring, but then it just disappeared in summer, and there were no white flowers like I had seen in 2011.
June 1, 2013.  Barely there next to the blue flowering amsonia

In 2014 I never saw 'Chocolate'.

Chicago Botanic Garden has a great comparison here of Joe Pye Weeds, including 'Chocolate', now classified as Ageratina. They state that the Ageratina altissima plants in general succumbed over several winters, but that 'Chocolate' was a great performer. They do mention the tendency to wilt in summer and that they did not do as well in hot dry locations.

Is my 'Chocolate' too dry competing with the maple roots?