Vernonia 'Southern Cross'

Vernonia 'Southern Cross'

$14.95

Vernonia 'Southern Cross' 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.

Height & Spread: 36 - 48 in x 24 - 36 in

Bloom Time: Late summer to fall

Light Requirements: Full sun

Soil Preference: Average to moist well drained soil

Watering Needs: Moderate; adaptable once established

Deer Resistance: Deer resistant

Native Status

This 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.

WILDLIFE & INSECTS

Butterflies

  • Attracts Monarchs, Swallowtails, and Painted Ladies which visit the late season blooms for nectar when fewer perennials are flowering.

Bees

  • Supports native bees, bumblebees, and honeybees which forage among the dense purple flower clusters for nectar and pollen.

Birds

  • Provides seeds that can support songbirds later in the season while adding habitat value to naturalistic plantings.

Spacing & Landscape Use

Spacing Recommendations

  • Space 24 - 36 in apart to allow the upright clumps to develop fully while maintaining good airflow.

Landscape Placement

  • Ideal for sunny borders, native plantings, rain gardens, and meadow style gardens where its tall structure and late blooms create seasonal impact.

Companion Plants

  • Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' (Switchgrass) - Adds upright grass structure and movement that complements the tall flower stems.
  • Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Provides complementary summer blooms and strong pollinator value alongside ironweed.
  • Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Brings bright golden flowers that contrast beautifully with the deep purple blooms.
  • Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Adds native grass texture and warm fall color to extend seasonal interest.
  • Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' (Goldenrod) - Extends the late season pollinator display with complementary golden blooms.

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