IVernonia x Southern Crossntrinsic Perennial Gardens has announced the introduction of a new hardy red flowered fountain grass, Pennisetum alopecuroides Ginger Love PPAF, and Vernonia x Southern Cross, a new iron weed.
Pennisetum alopecuroides Ginger Love PPAF was selected for its intermediate size and for its more substantial red flower. The plants reach a mature size of 30” tall and 36” wide and begin to flower in August. They prefer a well drained soil in full sun. Their hardiness is zone 5-9. Ginger Love has great drought tolerance once it is established.
Vernonia x Southern Cross is a stunning new Iron weed adds some heavy metal to the Prairie. The rich deep green foliage in spring and summer are followed by purple flowers starting in August. The clumping plants reach around 36” tall and wide. After flowering the seed heads hold on in to winter giving this plant presence in the garden. Plants prefer average well drained soil in full sun. Their hardiness is zone 4-9. This new vernonia is a hybrid of two U.S. native plants including Vernonia lettermanii and combines especially nice with Amsonia x Halfway to Arkansas and Midway to Montana, which both have a similar texture to their foliage.