frostweed
Verbesina virginica
USDA zones8 to 11
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size3 to 8 feet tall
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Dark green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Frostweed (Verbesina virginica) is a perennial for woodland gardens and low maintenance spots. It is hardy to USDA zone 8, or down to 10°F (-12°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to moist soil of most types. White autumn flowers attract butterflies, and spreading rhizomes form sizable colonies, so it suits naturalizing better than formal beds. Deer tend to browse other plants first. In freezing weather, the stems push out water that freezes into fascinating shapes.
Pairs well with Wild geranium, Green and gold, and Mondo grass.
Native range
AL, AR, DC, FL, and 19 more places. See all 23
AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, and WV.