How to Grow and Care for Boneset

Eupatorium spp.

Eupatorium is a genus of flowering plants that brings together a diverse group known as bonesets or thoroughworts.

These versatile plants serve multiple purposes in the garden, attracting and supporting a diverse range of pollinators.

Boneset can be incorporated into borders, native plant gardens, meadows, prairies, and wildflower gardens, adding both aesthetic appeal and ecological value.

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Beyond their ornamental and ecological benefits, bonesets also have medicinal properties, which are of interest to gardeners and herbalists alike.

Their historical use in traditional medicine has led to their inclusion in many herbal practices today, where they are valued for their potential therapeutic qualities.

Ready to learn more? Grab your gardening gloves and join us as we discuss how to cultivate boneset in your landscape.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Boneset plants produce clusters of small, fluffy flowers that form eye-catching inflorescences, featured on tall and sturdy stems.

As the flowers fade, they often give way to small, dry fruits or seed heads, adding interest to the late-season garden.

You may notice that bonesets look very similar to joe-pye weed (Eutrochium spp.).

Joe pye-weed was formerly classified in the Eupatorium genus, and in 2012 was reclassified as Eutrochium.

Together, the flowers and fruit of boneset plants create a visually appealing display that attracts pollinators and adds beauty to any garden or landscape.

These plants love moisture and are suitable for cultivation in rain gardens or areas where water tends to collect.

They spread via underground rhizomes and will happily colonize garden beds and borders, so choose your planting site accordingly.

Most bonesets are herbaceous perennials, but some tropical types can grow into tree-like or shrubby forms.

Of the many species in this genus, the most common boneset known and grown in home gardens is E. perfoliatum.

Also known as common or American boneset, feverwort, or thoroughwort, historically E. perfoliatum was used medicinally as a diaphoretic and analgesic, to alleviate fevers or cold symptoms, and for healing broken bones.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Native Americans used boneset medicinally and considered it a cure-all for many ailments.

While it’s a favorite of many herbalists, some recommend staying away from remedies using boneset until more research is available regarding safe dosage.

How to Grow Boneset

In USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8, bonesets grow as perennials.

Since they can spread quite quickly in ideal conditions, be sure to choose a location where they won’t crowd out other plants.

Light

For best flower production, a spot in full sun is best. But they’ll be quite happy in part shade, and will thrive on the edges of woodland in filtered sunlight.

Soil

Depending on the species, boneset is best cultivated in moist, well-draining soil but will tolerate average soils as well as chalk, clay, loam, or sandy soils.

Water

Boneset needs consistent moisture and should not be allowed to dry out.

Use your finger to check the soil moisture and if its at all dry, give the plants some water!

Fertilizing

Eupatorium species will not need fertilizing unless your soil is extremely depleted.

Conduct a soil test to check what nutrients are missing and use a mild fertilizer to amend according to the results of the test.

If you wish, you can side dress with compost or use a very mild, balanced fertilizer in early spring when you see new growth emerging, but it’s not really necessary.

Species to Select

Each Eupatorium species brings its own unique characteristics and qualities that can enhance your garden landscape.

Here are some common boneset species that are well-suited for different gardening preferences and purposes.

Cannabinum

Native to Europe, this wildflower is popular in England, and its leaves resemble those of hemp, inspiring its nickname, hemp agrimony.

Loved for the beautiful, tiny pink flowers that appear from summer into fall, E. cannabinum grows up to four feet tall and spreads about four feet wide.

Plant in mixed herbaceous borders, along a the edges of a pond, or as part of a cottage garden scheme.

E. Cannabinum

This species is suitable for cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9.

You can find packets of 20 seeds available via Amazon.

Perfoliatum

Native to North America and Canada, E. perfoliatum features white blooms in July and August.

It can withstand a wide range of conditions and is low maintenance, grows well in full sun to partial shade, and can tolerate full shade.

E. Perfoliatum

E. perfoliatum forms clumps of unbranched stems, spreads up to four feet wide, and grows up to six feet tall.

You can find packets of 100 seeds available at Earthbeat Seeds.

Serotinum

Also known as late boneset, E. serotinum provides gardens with white flowers from late summer to fall.

Plant it in wildflower and native plant gardens, prairies, meadows, and naturalized areas. This species is moderately deer resistant.

Maintenance

If you wish, you can cut back the foliage in fall to tidy the garden as it will dieback naturally as winter sets in.

You don’t need to prune your boneset, but to encourage prolific blooming, you can give them a trim in early summer before flowering.

Deadheading will not encourage this plant to rebloom, though it will help control seed spread.

Plan to divide plants every few years and thin out large clumps so they don’t take over.

Propagation

Boneset can be propagated by sowing seeds, taking stem cuttings, or by division if you have a mature clump.

Let’s take a look at each method:

From Seed

Collect ripe seeds from a mature plant or purchase them from a reputable supplier.

The seeds ripen about a month after flowering and should be collected when the seed heads are dry and have started to split, but before the seeds begin to float away.

If you choose to sow boneset seeds directly into the garden, you will need to do this in the late fall to provide a period of cold stratification.

For spring sowing, mix the seeds with some moist sand and store them in the refrigerator for 60 days before sowing outdoors.

Sow seeds one to two feet apart, about 1/8 of an inch deep. Water them in well, and maintain consistent moisture.

Seeds can also be started indoors if you prefer. Here’s how:

1. Fill a flat with seed-starting mix.
2. Scatter your seeds onto the surface of the soil, gently pressing them into the potting medium.
3. Moisten the medium and set it in bright, indirect light.
4. Provide consistent temperatures of 70 to 85°F, using a heat mat if you need to.
5. Maintain even moisture at all times, but don’t allow the soil to become waterlogged.

Seedlings may be transplanted outside when they are six or so inches tall.

Be sure to harden them off to outdoor conditions first, gradually increasing exposure over the course of about a week.

From Cuttings

Softwood cuttings will root quite easily, usually within a few weeks. It’s best to take cuttings when plants are not flowering, in late spring or early summer.

Take four- to six-inch stem cuttings and remove the leaves from the bottom two to three inches.

When the last frost date has passed in your area, rooted cuttings can be transplanted out into the garden.

By Division

Mature boneset plants can be divided in the fall as they start to go dormant, or in spring as shoots appear.

Using a shovel or spade, carefully cut through the crown between two stems or stem buds.

You will want to choose a section with one intact bud, which will grow into a new shoot, and a cluster of rhizomatous roots attached to it.

After you have selected a section, gently separate it from the main plant by cutting through the roots.

Immediately replant the new division at the same depth as the parent plant.

You can learn more about dividing perennials here.

Transplanting

Wait to plant out until nighttime temperatures remain above 65°F. Seedlings may take up to a year before they are large enough to be transplanted outdoors permanently.

Managing Pests and Disease

Mammals, birds, and reptiles do not typically target boneset plants as food options.

Usually considered resistant to pests and diseases, you shouldn’t experience issues with many of the insects described below, if any.

Let’s take a look at a few pests that may be attracted to your plants.

Flea Beetles

The feeding of these shiny-coated beetles leaves shotholes in the foliage.

They generally won’t cause fatal damage but infestations can cause plants to look unhealthy and lack vigor.

In the case of a large infestation you can apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, making sure to spray all over the plant.

Yellow Sticky Traps

Placing yellow sticky traps in your garden can help to trap flea beetles as well. Find yellow sticky traps available via Amazon.

Read more about dealing with flea beetles in our guide.

Lygus Bugs

Lygus bugs, aka tarnished plant bugs, are species in the Lygus genus, and they use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap.

Sawflies

These insects feed on the leaves, causing skeletonized foliage or defoliation.

Infestations are unlikely to cause severe enough damage to require treatment, but they will affect your plant’s appearance.

Fortunately, you have plenty of ways to get rid of these pests. Handpick them, and either crush or drop them in soapy water mixed with a bit of neem oil.

Disease

While they are not prone to disease, Eupatorium species can suffer from powdery mildew, especially if clumps grow quite large, limiting airflow.

Root rot can take hold if the soil doesn’t drain adequately – even though they enjoy consistent moisture, the soil shouldn’t be allowed to become boggy for extended periods.

Beauty, Benefits, and a Blossoming End

The remarkable Eupatorium genus offers beauty, versatility, and benefits to both gardeners and the environment.

With its attractive flowers, ability to attract pollinators, suitability for various garden settings, and resilient and low-maintenance nature, boneset is an attractive choice for any landscape design.

Do you have experience with bonesets already? Please comment below, we’d love to hear from you!

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