white snakeroot (Ageratina altissima 'Chocolate') plant — close-up photo
Moderate to grow

white snakeroot

Ageratina altissima 'Chocolate'

Overview

White snakeroot (Ageratina altissima 'Chocolate') is an amazing plant with stunning chocolate-colored foliage and show-stopping white flowers. The blooms are perfect for attracting pollinators, and its foliage will add a pop of color to your garden all year long. With its deep shade tolerance and humidity resistance, this tough perennial is an excellent choice for gardens in difficult growing conditions. Its unique white flowers make it a show-stopping statement piece, which will give your garden a unique look. Its ability to thrive in a wide range of temperatures and its low maintenance requirements make it a great choice for gardeners of all levels.

Care Guide

💧

Watering

Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, usually every 2 to 3 days. During the summer months, water more frequently as temperatures increase and the plant may require water every day or every other day. If the soil is light and sandy, it may need to be watered more often. In the winter, water less, approximately every 5 to 7 days, since the plant won't need as much moisture. When watering, be sure not to saturate the soil as too much water can be damaging.

☀️

Light

White snakeroot (Ageratina altissima 'Chocolate') grows best in full sun, meaning it needs 8-10 hours of direct sun per day for optimal growth. Keep in mind that the sun intensity is stronger in the summer months, so try to position the plant in an area that will receive shade when the sun is at its peak. Moreover, if you're located in a particularly hot area, the plant may benefit from some light afternoon shade as well.

🌡️

Temperature

Hardiness zone 3–8.

✂️

Pruning

White snakeroot likes to be pruned in mid-summer, but avoid pruning in late summer and right up to the first frost. Remove up to 1/3 of the stems, leaving 2/3 on each side of the plant. New stems should be pruned just above the second pair of leaf nodes. This will encourage the plant to branch out. Dead and weak stems should be removed to avoid the risk of disease. It’s also a good idea to pinch out any new growth in order to promote bushier growth and larger flower clusters.

🔬

Propagation

Division, Cutting, Seed Propagation, Layering Propagation

Uses & Symbolism

Attracts: Butterflies.

Other plants you might like if you grow white snakeroot.

Browse all →
Identify a Plant