Giant Ironweed

Giant Ironweed grows up to 2 m tall.

The stunning magenta flowers bloom between August and October. Since ironweed is slow to establish, a 1-gal pot helps to get a flowering plant faster.

Ecology:

Bee and monarch butterfly magnet. The pollen supports various pollen specialist bees which can only use pollen from ironweed to provision their brood cells with bee bread. Larval host plant for moths in caterpillar stage. Flowers also attract syrphid flies and soldier beetles which are excellent beneficial insects to keep pest in a vegetable garden in check. The seeds feed songbirds in winter. 

Growing conditions:

Full sun to part sun. Very adaptable to various soil types, medium to medium wet soil conditions.