1 named cultivar

‘Plum Peachy’Plum Peachy Ironweed

perennialN. America Native

Ironweed

Vernonia angustifolia

The Story

Plant Bio

Vernonia angustifolia, narrowleaf ironweed, is an upright perennial native to the sandy pinelands of the southeastern United States, reaching about three feet. Very narrow linear leaves give it a fine, almost needle-like texture, and flat clusters of small intensely purple flowerheads open at the stem tips in late summer.

The purple is the point — a saturated colour few native perennials match, arriving in late summer when the border is tiring. It is far finer in texture and better behaved than the tall ironweeds, and it wants poor, sandy, sharply drained ground; rich soil makes it flop. Its thickened underground stem lets it regrow after fire.

Uses & Benefits:

Intense purple flowerheads in late summer over unusually fine, narrow foliage.

Thrives on poor sandy ground that defeats most perennials, and needs no feeding or watering.

A southeastern native supporting butterflies, bees and specialist bees, with seed taken by birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in full sun in sandy, sharply drained soil.
Avoid rich or heavy ground, which causes flopping.
Water while establishing, then leave it alone.
Do not feed; poor soil suits it better.
Cut stems back in late winter, not autumn.
Leave seedheads standing for birds.

Pro Tip

Lean sandy soil keeps it upright; feed it or plant it in clay and a three-foot stem becomes a two-foot sprawl.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Give it full sun and sandy soil ☀️
Leave it unfed 🚫
Cut back in late winter ✂️
Leave seedheads for birds 🐦

Don't

Plant it in rich or heavy ground ❌
Feed or over-water it ❌
Confuse it with the six-foot ironweeds ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cut Back
Enjoy

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Native meadow and pineland plantingDry sunny border and rock gardenLate-season pollinator planting

Companion Plants

Little Bluestem Butterfly Weed Blazing Star Goldenrod Coreopsis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Ironweed questions

What zones can Ironweed grow in?

Ironweed is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Ironweed deer resistant?

Yes — Ironweed is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Ironweed bloom?

Ironweed typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Ironweed need full sun?

Ironweed does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Ironweed drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Ironweed handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.