Vernonia gigantea

Also Known As

Vernonia altissima
Vernonia altissima
Vernonia gigantea spp. gigantea
Giant Ironweed
Tall Ironweed
Tall Ironweed

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 5'-7'
W: 2'-4'

planting zones

5a-10b

More Options

Vernonia gigantea plant details

Vernonia gigantea is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In fall and summer purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Vernonia gigantea

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 4 FT - wide, 5 FT - 7 FT - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in fall and summer
Uses: border plant, clumping, cutting garden, easy-to-grow, fall color, native plant, screen, self-sowing, showy, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Vernonia gigantea

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Vernonia gigantea or giant ironweed makes an impressive specimen for the back of the border reaching as high as 8-10 feet tall with lance-shaped leaves and clusters of fluffy, warm purple flowers followed by rusty colored seeds. The flowers are irresistible to butterflies and bees. It is an eastern North American native.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Large clusters of dense frilly purple flowers are borne from mid-summer to fall on this tall vigorous native perennial. An excellent choice for the back of the border where the butterflies and bees can enjoy it. Commonly found in moist clay soils but will do fine in average garden soils. May reseed vigorously.

By: Almost Eden

Showiest of the Ironweeds, Tall Ironweed offers brilliant red-pink flowers, held like torches atop the tall flower stalks. Butterflies can't resist the flowers, so expect some of your favorites to visit. Vernonia altissima is a great back border plant, as well as a focal point in the wet meadow. Native to the eastern U.S., it is hardy to Zones 4 - 9.

By: Prairie Nursery

Dramatically tall (6-8') Ironweed topped with clusters of purple aster flowers in August and September. Prefers a moist soil, but seems to be tolerate of dryer conditions in our garden.

By: Avant Gardens

Big, bold, vigorous, sturdy & reliable perennial woodland, native of the eastern half of the U.S., provides awesome late season color intensity! The rich, dark purple or purple-violet flower heads are quite large - to 12” across – held atop stout stems 5’-7’ tall. Forming a columnar clump, most resembles a purple form of Eupatorium or “Joe-Pye-Weed”. Blooming at the same time as Asters – 1 1/2 months from late Summer to Fall, I think it makes an especially nice, contrasting background planting for late blooming Sunflowers, Rudbeckias & our “Day of the Dead” Marigolds. Give Vernonia humusy soil & stand back for an amazing Autumn display. Major BUTTERFLY MAGNET! Good cut flowers. Deciduous – so cut to ground after bloom is finished.