Perennial – New York Ironweed

New York Ironweed 

Botanical name: vernonia noveboracensis 

Beginner friendly?: moderate 

Average size at maturity: 4-8 ft in height with a 3-4 ft spread 

Hardy zone: zones 5-9 

Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in first growing season 

Foliage color: green 

Flower color: purple 

Bloom time:  summer 

Pruning instructions: deadhead withered blooms and foliage as needed 

Propagation methods: propagate by seed sowing 

Landscape use: flower gardens, container plant, pollinator gardens 

Special features: attracts pollinators, deer resistant, drought tolerant, fragrant blooms 

Light needs: 6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2-4 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month throughout the spring, summer, and fall months 

Best time to plant: spring, fall 

Best type of soil:  loam, sand 

Companion plants: coneflower, aster, joe-pye weed 

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no