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Herbaceous Perennial

Verbena rigida 'Intensity'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A bushy perennial to 30cm tall, often grown as an annual, with branching stems and rough leaves. From early summer to autumn it bears rounded clusters of small, violet-blue flowers on branching flower spikes

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Purple Green
Autumn Blue Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Verbenaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in a sheltered postition in full sun. Add a deep, dry mulch at the onset of winter. Cut back stems to ground level in early spring

Propagation

Propagate by seed, semi-ripe cuttings or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Bedding
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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