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Vernonia lindheimeri (Woolly Ironweed) is a showy perennial that thrives where conditions are tough. This resilient plant can handle low fertility soil, dry climates, and resists deer and rabbits. Woolly Ironweed has a gentle upright habit, sturdy stems, and fine fuzzy foliage with an airy texture. Silvery buds open to clusters of bright magenta disc flowers in mid-to-late summer. Blooming for 6 weeks or more, the flowers nourish native bees and other pollinators. A North American native perennial from Texas and Northern Mexico, its common name comes from its iron-like qualities – both durability and seed clusters the color of rust.
To determine if a plant is sufficiently cold hardy, the USDA created numbered zones indicating winter low
temperatures; the lower the zone number the colder the winter.
If the coldest winter temperature expected in your area is -15°F (zone 5) then any plants rated zones 3-5 will
survive the winter temperatures in your area.
If you live in very warm winter areas (zones 9-11) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are not recommended. The lack
of freezing winter temperatures do not provide a time for winter dormancy (rest).
Vernonia lindheimeri (Woolly Ironweed) is a showy herbaceous perennial that gets its name from the fuzzy white undersides of its narrow leaves, giving it a natural defense against deer and rabbits. Woolly Ironweed is native to the sunny hillsides and meadows of northern Mexico and Texas. Plant Ironweed in a sunny location in low fertility soil with good drainage. Water as needed to establish, thereafter it is a waterwise, resilient perennial. Over time, it will naturalize gently, but it is not aggressive. Excellent choice for a rock or alpine garden or xeriscape. Plant with Muhlenbergia rigens Undaunted, Solidago, Aster, and Helianthus for a full palette of fall flowers. It also makes lovely cut flowers. Hardy in zones 7-10, leave it standing over winter and cut back to the ground in spring after new growth emerges.
More Information
SKU
HC018023
Item Package Size
Plant - 5" Deep Pot
Common Name
Woolly Ironweed
Botanical Name
Vernonia lindheimeri
Zones
7, 8, 9, 10
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Flower Color
Purple
Mature Height
24-36" tall
Mature Spread
24" wide
Bloom Time
Mid to late summer
Ships As
Potted Plant
Soil Type
Low Fertility Soil, Well-Drained Soil
Soil Moisture
Waterwise
Advantages
Bee Friendly, Attract Butterflies, Deer Resistant, Native, Multiplies / Naturalizes, Good Rockgarden Or Alpine Plant, Rabbit Resistant
Planting Time
Spring / Summer, Fall
Ships To Canada
No
Planting Guides
Vernonia (Ironweed) is big genus of New World wildflowers, with most species native to North America. Members of the Aster family, they are important late season sources of nectar for butterflies.
Preferred growing conditions:
Plant in most soil types including clay.
Best positioned in a full sun to partial shade locations.
Mulch with common mulch materials in dry Western climates. Leave un-mulched in moister Eastern climates.
Water regularly the first growing season to establish the plant. Most species and varieties like moderately moist to wet soils and should receive regular irrigation in arid climates. Rainfall is generally sufficient in moist Eastern climates.
Vernonia lindheimeri v. leucophylla is xeric and should be only given occasional deep watering when conditions are dry.
Deadhead the flowers when blooming is finished. Many species from the Midwest and Eastern US will re-seed aggressively in moist soils. Deadheading is helpful to reduce volunteer seedlings.
Fertilize lightly in the fall with Yum Yum Mix.
Special comments:
Leave standing of the winter and cut back hard in early to mid-spring.
Tall species may need staking unless stem tips are pinched back in late spring/early summer to thicken up the plant's stem structure.
View more Planting Guides, or download our complete Planting Guide for tips on caring for your plants when you receive your order, as well as planting instructions for Perennials, Spring-Planted Bulbs, Fall-Planted Bulbs, Cacti & Succulents, Xeric Plants and more.
Shipping
Zone
Shipping Status
Zone 2
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Zone 3
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Zone 4
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Zone 5
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Zone 6
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Zone 7
Now Shipping
Zone 8
Now Shipping
Zone 9
Now Shipping
Zone 10
Now Shipping
As soon as your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email. You will receive a second email the day your order ships telling you how it has been sent. Some perennials are shipped as potted plants, some as perennial roots packed in peat. The ‘Plant Information’ section describes how that item will ship. All perennials and spring-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.
Perennials and spring-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your hardiness zone. Perennial and spring-planted bulb orders will arrive separately from seeds. If your order requires more than one shipment and all items are shipping to the same address, there is no additional shipping charge. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service toll-free at (800) 925-9387 or contact us by email.
Shipping Rates
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Canadian Shipping Charges
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Shipping Charges
Up to $24.99
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$19.95
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$39.95
We charge one low flat rate for shipping our products even if your order requires multiple shipments. If you have any questions, please call us at (800) 925-9387.
 is a showy perennial that thrives where conditions are tough. This resilient plant can handle low fertility soil, dry climates, and resists deer and rabbits. Woolly Ironweed has a gentle upright habit, sturdy stems, and fine fuzzy foliage with an airy texture. Silvery buds open to clusters of bright magenta disc flowers in mid-to-late summer. Blooming for 6 weeks or more, the flowers nourish native bees and other pollinators. A North American native perennial from Texas and Northern Mexico, its common name comes from its iron-like qualities – both durability and seed clusters the color of rust.)
