There's nothing quite like the vibrant purple of ironweed on a sunny September day. While the more commonly sold New York Ironweed prefers wet sites, Upland Ironweed is the perfect choice for those drier sites where you want a plant with a pop of color and robust stature. Dark green leaves with whitish undersides and a dramatic upright form make Upland Ironweed a garden stunner, even after the flowers have faded with summer's end.
Conditions: Full sun to part sun; well-drained, medium soils; adaptableSize: 3'-5' tall, 2'-4' spread
Zone: 6-8
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract bumblebees, sweat bees, skippers, and pollen specialist bees, including Melissodes denticulata
Photo: Samantha Nestory