The Summer’s Swan Song ironweed was selected from a cross of Vernonia lettermannii and V. angustifolia ‘Plum Peachy’. This was the first of our hybrid seedlings to catch our attention, and it never failed to impress in the subsequent trials. Similar in adaptability, bushiness, and fine texture to the popular selection Vernonia lettermannii ‘Iron Butterfly’, ‘Summer’s Swan Song’ grows somewhat larger, has larger capitula, and never lodges due to the elongated and interlocking inflorescence branches holding the stems together. The stems, leaves, and inflorescence branches also take on a dark red cast in full sunlight, adding to its display. The 1/3-inch-wide capitula with their dark purple florets are borne in profusion for five to six weeks from early September to mid-October in northern Illinois (USDA Zone 5). A diversity of butterflies, moths, and bees are attracted to the flowers. The fine foliage is a moderate-to-dark olive green and measures upward of 5” long and less than a quarter inch wide. Mature plants grew to 31” tall by 43” wide. It has proven adaptable to both moist and dry soil, and has also exhibited excellent resistance to rust and powdery mildew. Use this selection individually or massed in perennial or mixed borders, in pollinator gardens, near lake edges and other moist sites as long as well-drained, in drier sites, and in any situation that calls for a midsized attractive and uniform perennial plant.

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