Driving through Jonesboro, Arkansas, in 2000, I spotted this selection of giant ironweed. Most of the clones had fallen over due to their height and flower head weight, but I finally spotted a clone that stayed wonderfully upright. Cuttings were taken, and we are pleased to report it has also remained vertical in our garden trials. V. 'Jonesboro Giant' forms a clump of 10-12' tall stems, clothed in dark green leaves and topped with large clusters of dark purple flowers starting in mid-August. The giant clumps sway a bit in the breeze, but so does the Sears Tower. Warning lights may be required in some jurisdictions...please check local flight path maps. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)
Zone: 5-9, at least 