ironweed
Vernonia lettermanii 'Iron Butterfly'
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9
Flowers:
Purple Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Fruits:
purple,black Fruits Ready In
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
purple,black
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Ironweed plants should be watered deeply once a week, preferably in the morning before temperatures heat up. To ensure adequate watering, soak the ground until you see water runoff. During times of high temperatures and drought, the plant may need to be watered more often. Additionally, check the soil around the plant for moisture before watering and if the soil feels dry to the touch, the plant is likely in need of water.
sunlight
Ironweed benefits from full sun, which for this plant species means 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Ironweed thrives in warm temperatures with lots of sunshine, and should be grown in a location that receives direct sun all day long. Temperatures should always stay above freezing, and ideally range between 68-86 degrees Fahrenheit.
pruning
Ironweed (Vernonia lettermanii 'Iron Butterfly') should be pruned in early to mid-spring, once temperatures begin to warm. Prune the plant back just above a leaf node or bud. When pruning, take care to remove dead, diseased or damaged stems, in addition to any crossed or overly twiggy growth. Prune back the main stems of the plant to an occasional side branch that has some leaves or leaflets on it. This will help to give Ironweed a more attractive shape and encourage the healthy growth of flowers.
