Giant Ironweed
Introduce late-season color with Giant Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea), a striking perennial that blooms from late summer through fall. Its vibrant purple, aster-like flowers add a dramatic flair to any garden, reminiscent of wildflowers found along country roadsides. This plant is a vital late-season food source for butterflies, supporting local ecosystems. Thriving in full sun and moist soils within hardiness zones 5-8, it can reach an impressive 6-8 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide, with the option to prune for a more compact size. It's an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance addition.
$18.98
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
2059
/ 3085
#2059 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-31%
Below average
Mature Height
687296
/ - feet (- inches)
Who it's for
- Crucial Late-Season Pollinator Support
- Dramatic Vertical Presence
- Low Maintenance and Hardy
Who should skip it
- Significant Height and Flopping Risk
- Aggressive Spreading Habit
- Late Season Bloom Only
Key Specs
Mature Height
6-8 feet (72-96 inches)
Mature Spread
3-6 feet (36-72 inches)
Hardiness Zones
5-8
Ships As
Bare Root
Planting Depth
Top of root 1 inch below soil surface
Prohibited States
Kentucky
Growth Habit
Tall Perennial
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Features
- Attracts butterflies and birds
- Provides crucial late-season food
- Native plant that naturalizes well
- Deer resistant
- Tolerates wet soil
- Prune for height control
- Blooms late summer to fall
- Bright purple flowers
What customers say
Customers highly value the Giant Ironweed for its stunning, vibrant purple blooms and significant ecological benefits, attracting essential pollinators like butterflies and bees. Reviewers confirm its quality as a robust native perennial that thrives in challenging conditions once established. The core theme centers on patience; initial disappointment often arises from the dormant appearance of bare roots or small plugs upon arrival. While the mature plant delivers spectacular, high impact color, managing expectations regarding the time needed to reach its full potential is crucial. Those who wait report vigorous growth starting in the second season. Overall sentiment is strongly positive for gardeners seeking a reliable, visually impressive native perennial prepared for the necessary waiting period.
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$19