Verbena bonariensis

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Other common names

Argentinian vervain, South American vervain, tall verbena

Synonyms

Verbena bonariensis 'Buenos Aires'
Verbena brasiliensis misapplied

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Herbaceous Perennial
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A tall herbaceous perennial with erect, branching stems to 2m in height, bearing sparse, oblong leaves. Numerous branched clusters of small, lilac-purple flowers appear from summer to autumn; these are a good nectar source for pollinating insects

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Verbenaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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
Plant Range
South America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained or well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. In cold areas, protect with a dry winter mulch. May have the potential to become a nuisance due to prolific self-seeding if not well managed

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots at 18-21°C in autumn to early spring or let it self-seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wall side borders
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut down in spring as new growth emerges from the base; deadhead in autumn if seed is not required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, thrips and leafhoppers

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews