Vernonia

Vernonia - Ironweed

Vernonia is a large genus of which only a few are suitable for in the garden. From a distance they resemble Eupatorium, but close up, the flowers look like those of an Aster. Vernonia wants a place in the sun in a moist soil. It is good to mix some compost in the soil before planting and then annually give it another hand full every spring. Vernonia sits well in the back of the border with neighbours such as Aruncus, Helianthus, Persicaria amplexicaulis and Molinia arundinacea. Vernonia is slow to start in spring and it may take a few years to mature. Vernonia attracts many butterflies and also produces a good cut flower.