Dogfennel
Eupatorium capillifolium 'Elegant Feather'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
60 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate, drought tolerant once established
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Toxic to livestock if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Eupatorium capillifolium 'Elegant Feather' is a perennial shrub distinguished by its finely cut, feathery foliage and clusters of small, fluffy white flowers that create a soft, airy appearance during the summer months. This cultivar is celebrated for its elegant, delicate foliage that adds texture and movement to perennial borders, along with its robust tolerance for a variety of soil conditions.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into prepared soil in early spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist during establishment.
- Mist cuttings if propagating via softwood cuttings in spring.
- Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring or fall.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Transplant in early spring or fall for best results.
Pro Tip
Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering for healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune back after flowering to promote new growth
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Don't
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall to prevent frost damage
- Refrain from using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the season
- Never let soil become waterlogged
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Dogfennel questions
What zones can Dogfennel grow in?
Dogfennel is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Dogfennel deer resistant?
Yes — Dogfennel is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Dogfennel bloom?
Dogfennel typically blooms in late summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Dogfennel need full sun?
Dogfennel does best in full sun (6+ hours).
More Eupatorium to compare
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Eupatorium maculatum
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Eupatorium hyssopifolium
Gateway Joe-Pye Weed
Eupatorium maculatum 'Gateway'
Red Dwarf Joe Pye Weed
Eupatorium maculatum 'Red Dwarf'
Joe Pye Weed
Eupatorium maculatum 'Riesenschirm'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Dogfennel with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
