How to Grow Boneset: Guide for Gardening Enthusiasts
If you’re an avid gardener or herbal enthusiast looking to expand your collection of medicinal plants, growing boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) can be a rewarding and beneficial endeavor. Boneset, also known as thoroughwort or agueweed, is a beautiful perennial plant traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat various ailments.
This blog post will guide you through successfully growing bonesets in your garden, from selecting the right location to harvesting its potent medicinal properties.
Understanding Boneset
Boneset is a hardy plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to North America. It typically grows to a height of 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters) and features clusters of small white flowers atop sturdy stems. The name “boneset” originates from its historical use in treating dengue fever, where it was believed to help alleviate the intense bone pain associated with the disease.
Choosing the Ideal Location
Boneset thrives in moist, well-draining soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Select a location in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be rich in organic matter, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0), and well-draining. If your soil tends to be heavy and clay-like, consider amending it with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its texture and fertility.
Propagation Methods
Bonesets can be propagated through seeds or divisions. Here’s how to proceed with each method:
a. Growing from Seeds
i. Start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your region. Sow the seeds in seed-starting trays filled with a sterile seed-starting mix.
ii. Lightly press the seeds into the soil, but do not cover them, as boneset seeds require light to germinate.
iii. Maintain consistent moisture by misting the soil surface regularly. Germination can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks.
iv. Once the seedlings have grown their second set of true leaves, they can be transplanted outdoors.
b. Dividing Existing Plants
i. Dig up an established boneset plant in early spring or late fall, taking care to preserve its root system.
ii. Gently separate the plant into several smaller divisions, ensuring each has a healthy root system.
iii. Replant the divisions immediately, spacing them about 18 inches (45 cm) apart to allow for adequate growth.
Care and Maintenance
a. Watering: Boneset requires consistently moist soil but should not be waterlogged. Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
b. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
c. Fertilization: Boneset generally doesn’t require heavy fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring for a nutrient boost.
d. Pruning: Deadhead the spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding. In late fall, cut back the plant to ground level for better regrowth in the following season.
Harvesting and Utilizing Boneset
a. Timing: Harvest the aerial parts of the boneset plant (leaves, stems, and flowers) when the flowers are in full bloom but haven’t started to fade. The potency of the plant’s medicinal properties is highest at this stage.
b. Drying: Tie small bunches of boneset stems and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated, dark area. Allow them to dry completely before storing.
c. Medicinal Uses: Boneset has been traditionally used as a diaphoretic, immune stimulant, and anti-inflammatory herb. It can be brewed as a tea or tincture or incorporated into herbal preparations to alleviate cold and flu symptoms, reduce fevers, and support overall immune health. Consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare professional for proper dosage and usage guidelines.
Final Thoughts on How to Grow Boneset
Growing boneset in your garden can add a stunning flowering perennial to your landscape and provide you with a valuable medicinal herb for various health benefits. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully cultivate a boneset and enjoy its beauty and therapeutic properties for years to come.
FAQs on How to Grow Boneset
Q: Is Boneset a suitable plant for container gardening?
A: While boneset is a larger perennial plant that typically reaches heights of 3 to 5 feet, it can be challenging to grow in containers due to its size. It has an extensive root system and requires ample space to grow and spread. Therefore, it is generally recommended to plant boneset directly in the ground or a spacious garden bed rather than in containers.
Q: How long does it take for the boneset to flower after planting?
A: Boneset typically flowers in its second or third year of growth, depending on the propagation method. If grown from seeds, it may take a year or two before the plant establishes itself and produces flowers. On the other hand, divisions from an established plant can bloom as early as the first year after transplantation.
Q: Are there any pests or diseases that commonly affect bonesets?
A: Boneset is generally a hardy plant not prone to severe pest or disease issues. However, powdery mildew can occasionally affect it, especially if the foliage remains damp for extended periods. To prevent or manage mildew, ensure proper air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and promptly remove any infected leaves. Regularly inspect your boneset for pests such as aphids or spider mites and use organic pest control methods if necessary.
Q: Can bonesets be grown in different climate zones?
A: Boneset is native to North America and can adapt to various climate zones. It is typically found growing in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. However, it thrives best in temperate regions with mild summers and cold winters. It may require additional care, such as extra watering in hotter and drier climates, to ensure its well-being.
Q: Is boneset an invasive plant?
A: Boneset is not considered invasive but can self-seed and spread in favorable growing conditions. To prevent excessive spreading, it is recommended to deadhead the flowers before they go to seed. Additionally, monitoring its growth and removing unwanted seedlings or divisions can help maintain control over its spread in your garden.
Q: Can stem cuttings propagate bonesets?
A: While stem cuttings can propagate bonesets, it is not the most reliable method. The plant tends to root poorly from cuttings, with low success rates. It is generally more successful in propagating bonesets through seeds or divisions for best results.
Q: Can bonesets be grown alongside other plants in a garden?
A: Boneset can be grown alongside other plants in a mixed herbaceous border or medicinal garden. Its tall stature and attractive white flowers make it an excellent backdrop or focal point in a garden bed. Consider companion planting with other native or pollinator-friendly plants to create a diverse and beneficial garden ecosystem.
Q: Can bonesets be harvested for medicinal use in their first year of growth?
A: While the boneset can be harvested in its first year, it is generally recommended to allow the plant to establish itself fully before harvesting for medicinal purposes. Allowing the plant to reach its second or third year of growth ensures it has developed a robust root system and accumulated good medicinal properties. Patience in harvesting will result in a more potent and beneficial herb for medicinal use.
