About
A tall, herbaceous perennial to 2m with stiff, upright stems carrying narrow, pointed leaves and topped with open, branched clusters of purple, thistle-like flowers in late summer and early 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
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
Native toE USA & New Mexico
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any light, moist soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningDeadhead regularly to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed or division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free