Position – Sun or part shade
Soil – Poorly-drained
Flowering Period –Summer and autumn
Hardiness – Fully hardy
Vernonia are annuals, perennials, climbers, sub-shrubs, shrubs and trees, although only the perennial varieties are in cultivation. They have attractive slender stems, with gorgeous pale green foliage and flat branched heads of tubular purple or dark red flowers. Vernonia are best suited to flower beds and borders within a cottage or informal garden setting. You should expect to see Vernonia grow to an approximate height of 1.5-2.5m (5-8’) and a spread of 50-100cm (20-40”)
Vernonia are best planted in poorly-drained soil of clay, chalk or loam within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. Dig a hole that is the same depth and width as the root ball. Space companion plants 40cm (16”) apart and mixing a generous amount of peat moss to the planting area, mixing thoroughly to keep the ground moist. Water thoroughly and deeply to settle the soil into place. Vernonia are best positioned in an area of full sun or part shade.
Vernonia are low maintenance plants once established. Ensure you provide a layer of mulch in the spring to deter weeds and to retain moisture. Water regularly while the plant is still growing and through periods of dry weather.
It is possible to propagate Vernonia by seed or by division.
