About
A clump-forming perennial with upright, smooth, leafy stems to 1.2m high. Flowers are followed by rusty red seedheads. In autumn, tight clusters of small violet flowers are produced on branched stems above the foliage. Leaves are lance-shaped, toothed and intense green, and evenly spaced up the stem.
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, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow
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; will self seed freely if not deadheaded
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and leaf miners
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free