Verbena bonariensis
purple top
A tall herbaceous perennial with erect, branching stems to 2m in height, bearing sparse, oblong leaves and numerous branched clusters of small, lilac-purple flowers from summer to autumn; these are a good nectar source for pollinating insects
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Verbenaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
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