Vernonia ‘Summer’s Swan Song’ selected as 2027 Perennial Plant of the Year
Perennial Plant Association named Vernonia ‘Summer’s Swan Song’ 2027 Perennial Plant of the Year for its compact habit and pollinator value.
The Perennial Plant Association (PPA) announced Vernonia ‘Summer’s Swan Song’ as its 2027 Perennial Plant of the Year, recognizing the compact ironweed selection for its ornamental appeal, pollinator value and adaptability in the landscape.
The cultivar produces dark purple flower clusters from early September through mid-October and reaches about 36 inches tall by 40 inches wide. According to the PPA, it attracts butterflies and bees while offering the late-season bloom associated with native ironweeds in a more compact form. Seed heads persist through winter.
‘Summer’s Swan Song’ originated from a cross between Vernonia lettermannii and Vernonia angustifolia ‘Plum Peachy’ developed by Jim Ault, Ph.D., at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Vernonia species are native across much of the eastern and central U.S.
“What makes ‘Summer’s Swan Song’ so appealing is its refinement and versatility,” Shannon Currey, horticulture educator at Izel Native Plants, said.
The cultivar performs best in full sun and tolerates a range of soil moisture conditions. It also has strong resistance to powdery mildew and rust, helping maintain attractive foliage throughout the growing season.
According to the association, the plant is well suited for pollinator gardens, rain gardens and naturalistic landscapes, where it pairs well with asters (Symphyotrichum spp.), black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia spp.), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Joe Pye weeds (Eutrochium spp.), sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum).
Photo by Ed Lyon.