Protected Series:
Zone: 4SUMMERS SWAN SONG IRONWEED
Vernonia 'Summer's Swan Song' is a standout hybrid ironweed that addresses the common tendency of taller species to sprawl or lodge, thanks to its sturdy, interlocking branches and dense, mounding habit. This selection, developed through the Chicagoland Grows program, typically reaches about 2 to 3 feet in height while spreading 3 to 4 feet wide, forming a refined, bushy clump. Its fine-textured, narrow foliage is a deep olive green, often developing an attractive dark red cast when grown in full sun. From late summer into mid-autumn, the plant is crowned with a profusion of intense, dark purple flower clusters that provide a critical late-season nectar source for bees, butterflies, and moths.
To ensure 'Summer's Swan Song' reaches its full potential, position it in a location that receives full sun, which is essential for maintaining its compact form and vibrant leaf coloration. While it is remarkably adaptable and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including both dry spells and moist sites, it performs best in well-draining soil with consistent moisture. It is highly disease-resistant, showing excellent tolerance for rust and powdery mildew, making it a low-maintenance choice for perennial borders, rain gardens, or mass plantings. Pruning is minimal, requiring only a cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to clear away old growth and prepare the plant for a vigorous new season.
| PLANT | SIZE | TYPE | GALENA | ADD'L | DIG | SOON |
| VERNONIA SUMMERS SWAN SONG | con 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 128 |
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To help this plant settle in and thrive, we recommend these standard planting practices: Plant in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering. Provide full sun and deadhead spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering.
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