Summer's Swan Song Ironweed (Vernonia)

Summer's Swan Song Hybrid Ironweed (Vernonia 'Summer's Swan Song' PP28556) has been a star performer in the Chicago Botanic Garden trials. 'Summer's Swan Song' colors the garden with deep-purple flowers from early to mid-fall, attracting bees and butterflies (including migrating monarchs). The stem tips are deep red and hold purple-tinged olive-green leaves. This native hybrid is the smallest of the Ironweeds, topping out at only 36” in height, and well suited to smaller-space gardens.  It's longer branches form interlocking supports that hold the stems upright, even in wind.  Altogether, this is a very lovely and ornamental Ironweed. The plant likes moderate moisture and does well in a wide range of soils including compost-enriched clay-loam.  Plant 'Summer's Swan Song' with the burgundy-leaved Shenandoah Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'). Bred by Dr. Jim Ault of the Chicago Botanic Garden. (36” tall x 40” wide)