Silver ironweed in bloom

July 31, 2017


Unirrigated and thriving in decomposed granite, West Texas native silver ironweed (Vernonia lindheimeri var. leucophylla) powers through the depths of summer. I enjoy its silver sheen and purple pom-pom blossoms and its Texas-tough attitude.

For more info, click the link above, which will take you to a newsy page I wrote about this plant a few years ago.

I welcome your comments; please scroll to the end of this post to leave one. If you’re reading this in a subscription email, click here to visit Digging and find the comment box at the end of each post.
_______________________

Digging Deeper: News and Upcoming Events

Get on the mailing list for Garden Spark Talks. Inspired by the idea of house concerts, I’m hosting a series of garden talks by talented designers and authors out of my home. Talks are limited-attendance events and generally sell out within just a few days, so join the Garden Spark email list for early notifications. Simply click this link and ask to be added.

All material © 2006-2017 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

8 responses to “Silver ironweed in bloom”

  1. Shirley says:

    Another great plant for our climate. I ordered three from High Country Gardens after seeing them in your post and garden. They’ve been planted out in sunny locations for maybe 18 months so no blooms yet but they look great even in this heat. This past spring I ordered three more because I liked the silvery foliage so much even without blooms.

    I also have Woolly Ironweed from Barton Springs Nursery and Texas Ironweed (Vernonia texana) which bloomed beautifully last month.

  2. Kris P says:

    It sounds as though it might like the alkaline-leaning sandy soil here too. I’ve added it to my plant prospects list. Thanks for the tip!

  3. Ironweed is one of my favorite wildflowers. I didn’t know TX ironweed had bright silver foliage. It reallly sets off those magenta flowers.

  4. Laura says:

    I love that plant! Did I hear you’re saving seeds? I’d love some if you are.

    • Pam/Digging says:

      I’m will try to save some for you, Laura, although it seems my track record is not very good. I gave some to Shirley in San Antonio last year, but none came up. Maybe the second time will be the charm. —Pam