Boneset belongs to the aster family and is closely related to plants such as goldenrod ( Solidago spp.) and New England aster ( Symphyotrichum novae-angliae). This plant that grows slowly can take as long as three weeks to sprout and can take up to a year to increase from seedlings. Once mature, it has enormous fluffy, white flowers arranged in low-fisted clusters (known as “corymbs”). Plant it in the late spring or early fall.
It’s not the most beautiful plant. However, its sturdy stems are suitable as a cut flower in fresh or dried arrangements. One of the distinctive features can be that its main branch appears to be able to traverse through every leaf on either side like it was sticking out of a perforation or hole within one leaf (giving it the name of species perfoliatum). The boneset’s components can be harmful to humans.
Light
Boneset is tolerant of some shade. However, it’s more likely to bloom when you provide sunshine all day.
Soil
Acceptable of a range of conditions for soil, the boneset should be cultivated in sandy and clay soil. Since it prefers its soil to remain wet, give it additional water if you are growing the plant in a sandy area. Sandy soils act like sieves, and they don’t hold water well.
Water
The plant is a fan of constant water. It is even able to withstand just a few days of light flooding. You can check the soil’s moisture by putting a point on your finger around 1 inch deep. The ground should feel damp. If not, then make sure to water it well. Don’t allow the ground in the boneset to dry completely.
Temperature and Humidity
The above-ground foliage of the plant is likely to die off in winter. However, its roots can withstand temperatures as low as 13 degrees Fahrenheit. It thrives in moist conditions.
Fertilizer
Boneset is most effective in soils with low fertility. Planting it in compost-enriched soil isn’t necessary to fertilize it in any way. Please don’t give it excessive fertilizer. Only use a quarter-strength, and only once at the start of the growth season in early spring after the ground has warmed up.
Types of Boneset
Nearly related to boneset are two additional types from Eupatorium:
Purple Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium purpureum)
Spotted Joe Pye weed ( Eupatorium maculatum)
Like boneset, both originate from North America and like to thrive in moist soil. However, both have more excellent aesthetic value than boneset because of two reasons:
They are higher-growing species (up at 7 to 8 feet) and appear better on the ground.
They’re adorned with rose-colored flower heads instead of boring white bonesets.
Pruning
Utilizing sterilized pruning shears, you can trim the plants after dieback begins when the colder weather sets in. You can also hold off until springtime and cut back to the level of the soil. Then, you can trim back during the summer months to promote bushy growth and large blooms. Deadheading is not an excellent way to aid in reblooming. However, it can help limit seedlings’ growth and overgrowth of plants.
Propagating Boneset
Boneset can be propagated by seed sowing or root division. The rhizomes spread through the underground, which often crowd an area. To avoid overcrowding and to ensure that the plant is healthy, split the plant at least once every three years. Split in fall when the plant is beginning to be dying back or going dormant or when new shoots emerge in spring. Here’s how you can propagate through division:
You’ll need a spindle or shovel to remove an area of the plant. When planting it again in an existing pot, you’ll need a fresh pot and clean soil.
Measure a radius of 6-8 inches from where the stem emerges from the ground and then begin digging into the ground in a circle about the branch.
Explore the area and beneath the plant, carefully digging through the root structure underground and root ball.
Replant the root sections into the ground to the depth of their soil and then water the soil thoroughly.
How to Grow Boneset From Seed
Seeds can be planted directly in the spring or fall soil after being stratified cold. Cold stratification tricks seeds into thinking the winter season is over and it’s time to begin growing. If you sow directly outdoors at the beginning of fall, spread several seeds there. The more sources you plant, the better to guarantee germination success because it’s unreliable in a controlled environment. If you are directly sowing outdoors in spring, the chances of germination success are more stable if you chill-stratify seeds in a refrigerator for a minimum of four weeks.
