Vernonia crinita var. alba - Ironweed

Vernonia crinita var. alba is a tall perennial reaching 2m (7ft) high, the white form of the purple species with beautiful clusters of small white flowers in early summer. Related to asters and resembling eupatoriums, it withstands harsh winters and scorching summers without weakening and tolerates all soil types as long as they are not too dry. It undoubtedly deserves a place in the garden, at the back of a border or near water features, where it will add height.

Vernonia crinita var. alba belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a majestic plant native to North American meadows where it can reach 3m (10ft) high. In our gardens, it is a herbaceous perennial with a woody crown that will reach 2m (7ft) high and spread 50cm (20in) wide. It grows rapidly but takes two years to establish. It forms a clump of large, sturdy, upright and sparsely branched stems, with alternate, single, lance-shaped, dark green leaves. From July-August to September-October, it produces many small, white, tousled pompon flowers in clusters at the ends of the stems, which turn rusty with age. The flowers appear all at once, and last a long time, attracting lots of butterflies to create a magnificent spectacle.

Vernonia crinita var. alba is hardy and easy to grow and blends well with many plants to create stunning autumn compositions. On the banks of a pond it pairs well with eupatoriums, Lythrum salicaria, Filipendula rubra 'Venusta' or Euphorbia palustris. For a wilder style, at the back of a border, this imposing perennial works well with tall grasses like Miscanthus 'Malepartus', Panicum, Stipa...