About
A clump-forming perennial to 2m tall with upright stems clothed in narrow lance-shaped leaves. In autumn, loose clusters of small pinkish-purple flowers are borne on branched stems.
About the genus
Vernonia are annuals, perennials, climbers, sub-shrubs, shrubs and trees, though only the perennials are in cultivation. They have upright stems, simple, stalkless leaves and flat branched heads of tubular purple or reddish pink, occasionally white, flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
Native toNorth America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a light, moderately fertile, moist soil preferably in full sun but will tolerate partial shade
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering and, if necessary, to prevent self-seeding
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free