About
A clump-forming perennial to 1.8m tall with stout, upright, self-supporting stems densely clothed with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and dense clusters of rosy pink-mauve flowers from late summer to autumn.
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, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
CultivationCut back the old stems before onset of new growth in spring. Deadhead if self-seeding is a problem It will tolerate most soil types, but prefers rich, evenly moist soils in full sun or light shade. Mulch soils prone to drying out in summer
PruningCut back the old stems before onset of new growth in spring. Deadhead if self-seeding is a problem
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free