About
A clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial to 1.5m tall bearing flattened flower heads up to 30cm in diameter made up of 15-30 tiny purple flowers borne on stout, hairy stems from summer into autumn. The lance-shaped, dark emerald leaves have serrated margins and reach up to 17cm in length.
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, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
Native toC & S USA
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a moist, light soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering and, if necessary, to prevent self-seeding
PropagationPropagate by seed or division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free