Vernonia, or Ironweed, is not commonly offered in the perennial trade, but it is a native perennial worth noting. ‘Southern Cross’ breaks the mold of the typical tall and massive Vernonia species by producing a relatively short, vase-like habit of long, thin leaves, similar in look to Amsonia hubrichtii.
Brent Horvath of Intrinsic Perennial Gardens made the discovery of this hybrid Ironweed, found among Vernonia lettermanii seedlings (other parent unknown). The leaves are broader than its parent, up to ½" across. ‘Southern Cross’ can be enjoyed for its attractive, textured deep green foliage throughout the summer. It will extend the season of color when it comes into bloom in late summer, producing an airy dome of small purple flowers, similar in look to Asters. Like Asters, ‘Southern Cross’ prefers to grow in full sun.
Height:
4.0-4.5 Feet
Spread:
4.0-4.5 Feet
Hardiness Zones:
4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color:
Purple shades
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sunlight:
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Low Water Needs Consistent Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Late Summer Early Fall
Attracts Wings:
Attracts Butterflies
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Eclectic Prairie Rain Garden
Other Features:
Cut Flower Cut Foliage Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Specimen Focal Point
Origin:
Native to North America
Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Evaluation Top Performer -- 2020
Height:
4.0-4.5 Feet
Spread:
4.0-4.5 Feet
Hardiness Zones:
4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color:
Purple shades
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sunlight:
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Low Water Needs Consistent Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Late Summer Early Fall
Attracts Wings:
Attracts Butterflies
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Eclectic Prairie Rain Garden
Other Features:
Cut Flower Cut Foliage Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Specimen Focal Point
Origin:
Native to North America
Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Evaluation Top Performer -- 2020
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