{"product_id":"vernonia-southern-cross","title":"Vernonia 'Southern Cross'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVernonia 'Southern Cross'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a compact ironweed selection with deep purple flower clusters held above sturdy upright stems and rich green foliage. Its refined habit and late season blooms add height and color to perennial borders while providing valuable nectar for a wide range of pollinators when many other plants have finished flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight \u0026amp; Spread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 36 - 48 in x 24 - 36 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late summer to fall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Preference:\u003c\/strong\u003e Average to moist well drained soil\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; adaptable once established\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer Resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deer resistant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNative Status\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis cultivated selection of Vernonia was developed from North American native ironweed species and retains the ecological value of its native relatives while offering a more compact and garden friendly form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWILDLIFE \u0026amp; INSECTS\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eButterflies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttracts Monarchs, Swallowtails, and Painted Ladies which visit the late season blooms for nectar when fewer perennials are flowering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBees\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupports native bees, bumblebees, and honeybees which forage among the dense purple flower clusters for nectar and pollen.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBirds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides seeds that can support songbirds later in the season while adding habitat value to naturalistic plantings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpacing \u0026amp; Landscape Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing Recommendations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpace 24 - 36 in apart to allow the upright clumps to develop fully while maintaining good airflow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape Placement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for sunny borders, native plantings, rain gardens, and meadow style gardens where its tall structure and late blooms create seasonal impact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompanion Plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePanicum virgatum 'Northwind' (Switchgrass)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Adds upright grass structure and movement that complements the tall flower stems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEchinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Provides complementary summer blooms and strong pollinator value alongside ironweed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Brings bright golden flowers that contrast beautifully with the deep purple blooms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSchizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Adds native grass texture and warm fall color to extend seasonal interest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolidago rugosa 'Fireworks' (Goldenrod)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Extends the late season pollinator display with complementary golden blooms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Cicconi Farms","offers":[{"title":"2 Gallon","offer_id":46790940819617,"sku":"VERNONIA SOUTHERN CROSS","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/cicconi-farms.myshopify.com\/products\/vernonia-southern-cross","provider":"Cicconi Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}