Garden Goods Direct | Vernonia Iron Butterfly

Vernonia Iron Butterfly plants (Vernonia lettermannii) are flowering perennials in the Aster family. They prefer full sun for optimal blooms but can be planted in almost any soil condition. This cultivar is hardy in zones 4 through 9. Also known as the ironweed, these perennials have compact mounding habits and showy blossoms. In July they bloom bright purple flower clusters that last through August. These blooms attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies. If the soil is too rich, the stems can bend under the weight of the flowers. This pairs very nicely with native plants especially with bright yellow fall-blooming perennials such as solidago goldenrods.