Koninginnekruid

Eupatorium cannabinum

Engels: Hemp Agrimony

perennialAsteraceae🇳🇱 Inheems

Koninginnekruid (Eupatorium cannabinum) is a native to the Netherlands perennial from the Asteraceae family that grows up to 150cm tall. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires low maintenance. Blooms in summer and autumn with pink flowers and attracts bees and butterflies.

Hoogte

80–150 cm

Breedte

40–80 cm

Zonligging

full sun, partial shade

Waterbehoefte

high water needs

Grondsoort

loam, clay soil, peat soil

Onderhoud

low maintenance

Bloeitijd

summer, autumn

Bloemkleuren

pink

Ecologische waarde

Trekt bijen aan

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Verzorgingskalender

Taak	Jan	Feb	Mrt	Apr	Mei	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Okt	Nov	Dec
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Care tips

Planting

Hemp agrimony thrives in moist, fertile ground and is particularly well suited to bog gardens, pond margins, and damp borders. Choose a position in full sun or partial shade; flowering will be most prolific in sunnier spots, but the plant tolerates a few hours of shade without difficulty. It grows happily in loam, clay, or peat-based soils, provided moisture levels remain consistently high. Plant container-grown specimens in March, April, September, or October. Avoid planting during summer or in frosty conditions. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and work in plenty of organic matter—garden compost or well-rotted manure—to improve moisture retention, especially if your soil is on the lighter side. Set the plant at the same depth it sat in its pot, firm the soil gently around the roots, and water thoroughly. Space plants 60 cm apart to allow for their mature spread of 40–80 cm. Hemp agrimony forms upright clumps that can reach 80–150 cm tall, so position it towards the middle or back of a border where it won't shade smaller neighbours. If planting near a pond or stream, keep the crown just above the waterline; the roots will seek out moisture below. After planting, water generously and apply a 5 cm layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the stems. This conserves moisture and suppresses weeds while the plant establishes. In exposed sites, young plants may benefit from a temporary cane for support until the root system anchors them firmly. Water regularly through the first growing season, especially during dry spells, to encourage strong root development.

Pruning

Hemp agrimony requires very little pruning, but a single annual cut-back in March keeps plants tidy and encourages vigorous new growth. The stems die back naturally over winter, and the dried seed heads provide food for finches and other birds, so resist the temptation to tidy up in autumn. Leave the dead stems standing until late winter; they also offer shelter for overwintering insects. In March, before new shoots emerge, cut all the previous year's growth down to ground level using secateurs or a pair of sharp hand shears. The stems are hollow and quite brittle when dry, so they cut easily. Remove all the old material and add it to your compost heap, or leave small pieces on the soil surface as a light mulch if you prefer. If clumps become congested or outgrow their space after several years, March is also the time to lift and divide them. Dig up the entire root ball, split it into sections with a spade or two forks back-to-back, and replant the healthiest outer portions, discarding any woody central growth. This rejuvenates flowering and keeps plants compact. During the growing season, deadheading is not necessary unless you want to prevent self-seeding. Hemp agrimony can seed around freely in moist soil, which may be welcome in a wildlife or naturalistic planting but less so in a formal border. Snip off faded flower heads in late summer if you wish to limit spread. Otherwise, let the flowers mature into fluffy seed heads—they're attractive in their own right and highly valued by goldfinches.

Maintenance

Hemp agrimony has high water needs and performs best when the soil remains consistently moist throughout the growing season. Water regularly from spring through to autumn, particularly during dry spells; plants in sunnier positions or free-draining soils may need watering two or three times a week in summer. Mulch annually in spring with garden compost or leaf mould to help retain moisture and suppress weeds around the base. Feed once a year in March with a general-purpose granular fertiliser or a generous top-dressing of well-rotted manure or compost. This supports the tall, leafy growth and abundant flowering that follows in summer and autumn. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds later in the season, as soft late growth is more vulnerable to winter damage. Hardy to zone 3a, hemp agrimony needs no winter protection in temperate Europe. The top growth dies back completely, and the roots overwinter dormant in the soil. Leave the dead stems standing until March; they provide habitat for beneficial insects and food for seed-eating birds. Pests are rarely a problem. Aphids occasionally colonise the soft shoot tips in spring, but these seldom cause lasting harm and attract ladybirds and hoverflies. Powdery mildew can appear on the foliage in late summer, especially in dry conditions or where air circulation is poor; ensure adequate watering and avoid overcrowding to minimise risk. If mildew does develop, it's largely cosmetic and won't significantly affect the plant's health. Hemp agrimony is a magnet for pollinators—butterflies, bees, and hoverflies visit the pink flower clusters in droves from July through September, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.