ironweed

Ironweed is a hardy and drought tolerant plant, but it will benefit from regular watering. It should be watered about once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not overly wet. Water should be applied to the soil directly, avoiding wetting the foliage as this can encourage disease. During dry spells, particularly during the warmer months, water may need to be applied more frequently. Depending on the weather, it may need to be watered 2 or 3 times a week instead.

Ironweed (Vernonia missurica) prefers full sunlight to partial shade, for at least 4 to 5 hours a day with 6 to 8 hours being preferable. The sunlight should be direct, not filtered through buildings, trees, or other obstructions. Ironweed should receive the most sun during the middle part of the day, when the sun is the strongest; however, morning sun is also beneficial. In regions with hot summers, it is wise to provide ironweed with some afternoon shade to keep the plant from becoming too stressed.

Ironweed should be pruned annually to remove any dead or dying stems and flower heads, as well as to encourage a bushy shape. Pruning should be done in late summer or early fall, when the flowering season is almost finished and the foliage starts to become sparse. Care should be taken to only prune away 1-third of the stems each year to keep the shrub looking healthy. Prune the stems just above a leaf node, cutting at a 45-degree angle to promote better healing, and avoid leaving any damage on the stems. Once complete, remove any debris from the pruning process to help reduce the spread of diseases.