Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) is a slow-growing perennial plant that can take up to 3 weeks to germinate and up to one year to mature from a seedling. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, including sandy or clay-type soil thats constantly moist. To grow boneset, you can sow seeds directly in the ground in the fall or spring after cold stratification. Alternatively, you can propagate it via root division.

Care Requirements

Plant in full sun to partial shade
Grow in sandy or clay-type soil thats constantly moist
Resist the temptation to over-fertilize, as this can cause the plant to flop over and require staking
Do not plant in a flower bed that will share space with other plants, as boneset spreads via underground rhizomes
Plan on periodically pulling out stray boneset plants to prevent overcrowding
Tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, boneset is best grown in sandy soil or clay-type soil
Pruning and Maintenance

Cut back the plant once dieback occurs as the cold weather sets in, or wait until early spring and cut back nearly to the soil level
Prune back again in the summer to encourage bushy growth and abundant blooms
Deadheading will not help this plant rebloom, but it will help control seed and plant overgrowth
Pest and Disease Control

Boneset is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but watch out for common garden pests like aphids and whiteflies
Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew can occur in humid conditions, but good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent these issues
Harvesting and Uses

The dried leaves of boneset have been used to make a tonic, boneset tea, thought effective in treating colds, coughs, and constipation
The plant can also be used as a cut flower for fresh and dried arrangements
The stems of boneset can be used as a natural, biodegradable material for crafts and other purposes
Interesting Facts

The stem of boneset appears to pass right through each pair of leaves on either side of it, giving it its species name perfoliatum
The plant is also known as feverwort, thoroughwort, and bonset
Boneset has small white flowers that appear in late summer and fall, and can be used as a nectar source for pollinators like butterflies and bees