Vernonia, Summer's Swan Song
Vernonia noveboracensis
$19.99
19 in stock - Inventory reflects the current availability and may change due to in-store purchases
Meet the 2027 Perennial Plant of the Year: Vernonia 'Summer's Swan Song'
The Perennial Plant Association has named its 2027 pick, and it's rooted in our own backyard in the Chicagoland area — this nativar hybrid ironweed was developed by Dr. Jim Ault, former Director of Ornamental Plant Research at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Deep purple blooms arrive in late summer and carry through fall, creating an eye-catching element in your garden as season transitions.
Compact and well-branched, 'Summer's Swan Song' holds its shape in borders and foundation plantings without flopping. Established plants handle dry conditions with ease and shrug off powdery mildew and rust — a sustainable choice for feeding pollinators all season long.
Mature Height: 24 - 36"
Mature Spread: 3' - 5'
Sunlight Exposure: Sun
Water Needs: Moderate
Plant Profile
Vernonia, Summer's Swan Song
Sunlight Exposure
Sun
Water Needs
Moderate
Landscape Use
Border, Accent, Mass Planting
Growth Rate
Moderate
Growth Shape
Upright
Flowering Season
Summer, Fall
Foliage Color
Dark Green
Pest + Disease Resistance
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, Insect Resistant, Disease Resistant
Pollinator + Wildlife Support
Native (Great Lakes Region), Pollinator – Butterflies, Pollinator – Hummingbirds, Benefits Birds
Season of Interest
Summer
Fall Color
Yellow-Gold, Copper-Brown-Bronze
Garden Performance & Beauty
Repeat Flowering
Environmental Tolerances
Cold Tolerant, Juglone (Black Walnut) Tolerant
Winter Foliage
Deciduous
