Overview
Vernonia angustifolia is a clump forming, columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Vernonia, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Vernonia angustifolia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, prairie planting and flower borders and beds.
About
Vernonia angustifolia, commonly known as tall ironweed, is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Asteraceae family. This clump-forming plant has a columnar upright habit with deciduous foliage, thriving in full sun or partial shade on fertile, well-drained soils including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. It is hardy to UK zone H6 and is suitable for exposed or sheltered sites, making it a good choice for cottage gardens, prairie plantings, and flower borders. Vernonia angustifolia produces flat, branched clusters of tubular flowers in spring and summer, contributing seasonal interest.
About the genus
Vernonia is a genus of about 350 species of forbs and shrubs in the family Asteraceae. Some species of this genus are known as ironweeds. Some species are edible and of economic value.
Wikipedia contributors, "Vernonia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Vernonia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Vernonia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Vernonia angustifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Vernonia angustifolia
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Vernonia angustifolia?
Vernonia angustifolia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Vernonia angustifolia need?
Vernonia angustifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Vernonia angustifolia hardy in the UK?
Vernonia angustifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Vernonia angustifolia?
Seed, Division.
