Verbena bonariensis variegated (v)
A stiff, upright, open clump-forming perennial to 1.5m tall. Both the rough, branching stems and wrinkled leaves bear irregular cream variegation. From midsummer to early autumn it bears compact clusters of lilac-purple flowers; these are a good nectar source for pollinating insects
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green Cream Variegated | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple | Green Cream Variegated | ||
Autumn | Purple | Green Cream Variegated | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Verbenaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Verbena can be annuals, perennials or sub-shrubs, with toothed or pinnately lobed leaves and small, usually 5-petalled, salver-shaped flowers, typically held in spikes or panicles, in summer or autumn
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
May have the potential to become a nuisance due to prolific self-seeding in not well managedGrow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Add a deep, dry mulch at the onset of winter. Cut back to ground level in early spring
Propagation
Propagate by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Wildlife gardens
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.