Eupatorium maculatum 'Gateway' (Joe Pye Weed to you common folk) is absolutely my most reliable, statuesque, critter-welcoming and long lasting bloomer when compared to all other perennials in my garden. No matter where I stand in my yard, the mass of Joseph Pye is visible and begs to be ogled.
Don't believe me? Check these out:
It is literally a butterfly and bee magnet:
Steady pink blooms standing at about six feet tall and NEVER topples over:
With purple/red stems that add additional interest:
The only possible negative is that these mid summer blooming perennials are late to emerge in the spring so they leave quite a hole. But guess what? That falls on us genius gardeners to identify a way to account for said hole in a smart and creative way.
You up for the challenge?