I literally did a double take when I saw this absolutely gorgeous large cluster of Joe Pye Weed while driving home from a client’s garden.  I pulled a U turn and went back to take a picture…

I have never seen such a beautiful display of Joe Pye Weed. Joe Pye weed, also called Eutrochium,  is a perennial related to sunflowers.  It is a late bloomer, perfect as a tall accent in your late summer and fall gardens.  It is also available in a dwarf form, but cannot imagine a shorter version creating the same impact.  Grown in full sun it needs moist soil, but it prefers part sun to part shade conditions where it will tolerate less moisture.  I have some growing in part shade in my garden, but mine is not nearly as striking, so will try some in a sunnier spot too.  Joe Pye Weed is hardy to zone 5, which means protection from cold north winds in my Kanata Ontario gardens.