Vernonia 'Southern Cross'

Also Known As

Southern Cross Ironweed

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 2'-3'
W: 1'-2'

planting zones

4a-9b

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Vernonia 'Southern Cross' plant details

Vernonia 'Southern Cross' is a 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 sun and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Vernonia 'Southern Cross'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in fall and summer
Uses: border plant, screen

GROWING CONDITIONS for Vernonia 'Southern Cross'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

‘Southern Cross’ – An Intrinsic Introduction! A favorite selection, this hybrid came from seed sown as Vernonia lettermanii. The other parent is unknown but it had broad foliage and this one has intermediate foliage measuring up to 1/2” wide. The deep green foliage looks good all season long. The plant grows 4’ tall and wide, blooming in August. Purple flowers can have thin white filaments along with lacy purple petals that emerge from deep purple buds that look like little jewels.

By: Intrinsic Perennial Gardens

An obvious hybrid found in a batch of seedlings of Vernonia lettermanii by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens.? This vigorous variety has 1/2" wide dark green foliage on stems to 3' tall topped with purple flowers in August. Most ironweed species tend to be good nectar plants for butterflies.

By: Botanophilia

Garden photo gallery of Vernonia 'Southern Cross'

Photo of Vernonia 'Southern Cross' flower by Confessions of a Plant Geek

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By: Confessions of a Plant Geek

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Gardening facts about Vernonia 'Southern Cross' plant

How to Grow Vernonia 'Southern Cross'

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
Water Needs
- regular
Soil Needs
- average
- well-drained

Features

Foliage Color
- green
Flower Color
- purple
Wildlife
- beneficial insects
- bees
- butterflies
- deer resistant
- rabbit resistant
Flower Season
- summer
- fall
Foliage Season
- deciduous