Wingstem
Verbesina alternifolia · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant wingstem: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Blooming
- July to October
- Adult size
- 120 to 150 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Zone 5 to 9 (-28 °C minimum)
- Origin
- North America (United States)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerant
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
Care
Watering
Water regularly during growth and flowering, keeping the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. Once established, the plant tolerates relative dryness well. Reduce watering in winter and allow to dry slightly between waterings.
Exposure
Place the verbesina in full sun for optimal blooming and better branching. It also accepts partial shade, but with fewer flowers. Avoid complete shade which slows growth.
Pruning and cutting
Prune lightly at the start of the season to encourage branching and a more compact shape. In late autumn, cut dry stems at ground level. Spent flowers can be removed to extend the blooming period.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring when growth resumes. An additional application in summer can support abundant flowering. Don't overdo it: overly rich soil may reduce flowering.
Soil
Verbesina adapts to most well-drained soils that are poor to moderately fertile. It tolerates dry soils and difficult locations. Improve compact soil with compost applied to the surface.
Diseases and pests
This plant is generally robust and not very susceptible to diseases. Watch for aphids and mites during hot spells. Good air circulation prevents fungal problems; avoid stagnant moisture on the foliage.
Did you know?
The alternate-leaved verbesina is native to the damp plains and prairies of the central-eastern United States, where it flowers late and provides precious nectar to monarch butterflies on their autumn migration. Its alternate leaves and small yellow flowers in panicles earned it the nickname "golden bitterroot" among Native Americans, who used it traditionally.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- SunflowerHelianthus annuus
- YarrowAchillea millefolium
- Ox-eye daisyLeucanthemum vulgare
- SneezewortAchillea ptarmica
- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.