Verbena bonariensis

Verbena

Reader rating

From 6 ratings

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Key info

Plant type

Tender perennial

Flower colour

Lavender

Feature

Flowers

Hardiness

Half hardy

Skill level

Beginner

photo by J S Sira, copyright GAP Photos (21418)

Plant details

Tall, narrow, sparsely-leafed stems bear flattened heads of bright lavender-purple flowers that provide useful height in a herbaceous border. This is a short-lived perennial, and because it is borderline hardy, plants may be damaged by winter frosts. This may be avoided by leaving the dead stalks until spring, when new growth is evident, before cutting them back. A protective mulch should be added around them in the autumn with leaf mould or compost. They do, however, self-seed liberally and resulting seedlings are stronger and more drought-tolerant than those that are transplanted. This is a superb butterfly plant, rivalling even buddleja. The Royal Horticultural Society have given it the Award of Garden Merit.

Family: Verbenaceae

Genus: Verbena

Species: bonariensis

Plant type: Tender perennial

Flower colour: Lavender

Foliage colour: Mid-green

Feature: Flowers

Sun exposure: Full sun

Soil: Well-drained/light, Moist

Hardiness: Half hardy

Skill level: Beginner

Height: 150cm

Spread: 45cm

Time to plant seeds: March to April

Flowering period: August to October


Reader reviews


MrsP

Easy to grow from seed and simply stunning - especially mixed with grasses such as Stipa tenuissima. The bees and butterflies love it and I'm looking forward to seeing where new plants will spring up in the spring from self-set seed. I love it!



willowplanter

I love this plant and once you have it it will seed freely. I like to plant it in the middle of a border as you can see through it and it looks stunning (well I think so) planted with orange varities of Crocosmia. As MrsP says it is also a fav of the butterflies and bees. I love it too!!


Bartlebeans

I planted this in two places and it didn't thrive. I don't think either spot had enough sun, and one was damp. Disappointed!


Rachel O'Hara

I planted this in clay soil in full sun and it grew beautifully.Grown towards the back of a border it provides height,and is so light and airy you are able to see through it to other plants.Bees and butterflies just love it.


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