This plant comes by its name of ‘Gateway’ honestly.  In dry, hot years, it has grown well over 2 meters (6-1/2 feet) high and 1.5 meters wide.  This year in the constant rain, it is a respectable 1.5 meters high and wide.  This big beefy plant is more colourful than its paler Joe Pyeweed cousin:  The leaves are darker; the stems are more burgundy in colour; and the flowers are a more intense maroony pink.  Just like Joe Pyeweed, it is adored by bees and butterflies and provides colour in your garden for at least six weeks.

While it prefers a full sun location, it handles shade for part of the day and combines well with other fall-blooming perennials such as Rudbeckia or tall grasses.   

It is a pretty, consistent performer that will fill a corner with colour.  The only pest problems I’ve ever had was with leaf miner.

Height:  1.5 - 2 meters (4-6 feet)

Width:  1 - 1.5 meters (3-4 feet)

Bloom period:  6 weeks

Siting:  Full sun with good moisture, can take some shade.  Can handle drought for short periods.

Barbara’s Stars:  ***** 5/5