Church Steeples (Agrimonia eupatoria), also known as Agrimony or Sticklewort, is a native perennial herb recognized for its tall, spiky flower stalks and vibrant yellow blooms. A member of the rose family, Agrimony is often found in meadows, woodland edges, and along roadsides, offering both beauty and utility. This hardy herb has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries, valued for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. Church Steeples adds vertical interest and a splash of color to gardens, especially in wildflower, cottage, or herb gardens. With 15 seeds in this packet, you can grow this fascinating plant and enjoy its striking flowers and medicinal qualities.

Key Features:

• Tall Spiky Yellow Flowers: Church Steeples produces upright spikes of small, yellow flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall, creating a striking visual display in your garden.
• Traditional Medicinal Herb: Known for its long history in herbal medicine, Agrimony has been used for its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and digestive benefits.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The yellow flowers of Agrimony attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting a healthy ecosystem.
• Hardy Perennial: Church Steeples is a hardy perennial that returns year after year, offering lasting beauty and utility in the garden.
• Low Maintenance: Agrimony is relatively easy to grow and care for, making it a good choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Growing Information:

• Light: Agrimony thrives in full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day being ideal for healthy growth and abundant flowering.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Agrimony can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained.
• Planting Tips:
  • Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost or sow them directly outdoors after the threat of frost has passed.
  • Sow seeds about 1/8 inch deep and lightly press them into the soil. Agrimony seeds require light to germinate, so avoid burying them too deeply.
  • Germination typically occurs in 14-30 days at temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination.
  • Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into a sunny or partially shaded garden spot, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart.
• Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells. While Agrimony is relatively drought-tolerant once established, it performs best with consistent moisture.

Benefits:

• Aesthetic Appeal: The tall spiky yellow flowers of Church Steeples add vertical interest and vibrant color to the garden, making it ideal for flower beds, borders, and meadows.
• Pollinator Support: The flowers attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it a valuable plant for pollinator-friendly gardens.
• Medicinal Uses: Agrimony has been used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine. It is known for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and digestive benefits. It is often used as a tonic for digestive issues, skin problems, and as a mild sedative.
• Low Maintenance: This hardy plant is easy to grow once established, requiring minimal care beyond regular watering and occasional thinning.
• Wildflower Garden Addition: Agrimony is a fantastic choice for wildflower, prairie, or meadow gardens, where it blends beautifully with other native plants and adds natural elegance.

Growing Zones:

• Suitable for USDA Zones 4-9. Agrimony is hardy in a wide range of climates and can be grown in temperate and cooler regions.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Pollinator Gardens: Plant Church Steeples in a pollinator-friendly garden to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Its bright yellow flowers provide a vital food source for pollinators.
• Cottage Gardens: Agrimony’s spiky yellow flowers and graceful form make it a perfect addition to cottage or rustic gardens, where it pairs well with other wildflowers and perennials.
• Wildflower Meadows: Incorporate Agrimony into wildflower meadows or prairie-style gardens for a naturalistic look. Its tall, vertical growth and vibrant flowers provide structure and color.
• Herb Gardens: As a traditional medicinal herb, Agrimony is an excellent addition to herb gardens. Its versatility as both a garden plant and a herbal remedy adds practical and aesthetic value.
• Borders and Flower Beds: Use Church Steeples in borders or as a backdrop for shorter flowers and plants. Its vertical spikes add height and interest to mixed flower beds.

Conclusion: Church Steeples (Agrimonia eupatoria) is a striking and useful perennial herb that brings both beauty and utility to your garden. Its tall, yellow flower spikes add vertical interest, while its pollinator-friendly qualities and medicinal uses make it a valuable plant for any garden. The 15 seeds in this packet offer you the opportunity to grow this hardy and low-maintenance perennial, which will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden but also support local wildlife and provide you with a useful herb for traditional remedies. Whether you’re looking to attract pollinators, create a wildflower meadow, or add a historic medicinal herb to your garden, Church Steeples is an excellent choice.