About
A clump-forming perennial with upright, smooth, leafy stems to 80cm high. Leaves are narrow and threadlike, to 9cm long but only 1-3mm wide. In late summer, flattened clusters of 10-12 small violet flowers are produced on branched stems above the foliage. Flowers are followed by grey-brown seedheads.
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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow
Native toUSA (Arkansas, Oklahoma)
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 resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free