Vernonia 'Summers End'

Vernonia 'Summers End'

$14.95

Vernonia 'Summers End' is a striking late season perennial with tall upright stems topped by clusters of rich purple flowers from late summer into fall. Its bold vertical form adds structure to sunny landscapes while providing valuable late season color and an important nectar source when many other plants have finished blooming.

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; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates average conditions once established

Deer Resistance: Deer resistant

Native Status

This cultivated selection of ironweed is derived from North American native species and maintains the ecological value of its wild relatives by supporting late season pollinators in the garden.

WILDLIFE & INSECTS

Butterflies

  • Attracts Swallowtails, Monarchs, Painted Ladies, and other late season butterflies which rely on its abundant nectar when fewer perennials are blooming.

Bees

  • Supports native bees, bumblebees, and honeybees which visit the clusters of purple flowers for nectar and pollen.

Birds

  • Provides seed heads that can support songbirds later in the season while adding winter interest to naturalized plantings.

Spacing & Landscape Use

Spacing Recommendations

  • Space 24 - 36 in apart to allow room for its upright growth habit and strong late season flower display.

Landscape Placement

  • Well suited for native plantings, meadow gardens, rain gardens, and sunny borders where its tall form creates a dramatic backdrop.

Companion Plants

  • Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' (Switchgrass) - Adds fine textured movement and warm seasonal color that complements Vernonia’s upright structure.
  • Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' (Purple Coneflower) - Provides long lasting summer blooms and continued pollinator interest before ironweed begins flowering.
  • Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Creates a bright contrast with golden flowers that pair well with the deep purple blooms.
  • Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' (Goldenrod) - Extends the late season display while supporting additional pollinator activity.
  • Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Brings native grass texture and fall color that enhances meadow style plantings.

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