Vernonia caudata Plant Care

Vernonia caudata (Vernoniopsis caudata) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Vernoniopsis genus. Vernonia caudata is native to Madagascar. Vernonia caudata is also known as Cyanthillium caudatum.

Vernonia caudata displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Vernonia caudata produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Vernonia caudata every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Vernonia caudata thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Vernoniopsis caudata tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Vernonia caudata prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Vernonia caudata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Vernonia caudata every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Vernonia caudata is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Vernonia caudata can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Vernonia caudata while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Vernonia caudata is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Vernonia caudata can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to vernoniopsis lokohensis plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Vernonia caudata is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Vernonia caudata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Vernonia caudata is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Vernonia caudata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.