Verbena bonariensis
purple top
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
- Flowering period: June to September
- Hardiness: borderline hardy (may need winter protection)
Tall, upright stems produce heads of tiny lilac-purple flowers from midsummer to autumn. It is ideal for adding height throughout the border and mixes well with ornamental grasses. - Garden care: In cold conditions Verbena bonariensis can suffer dieback if cut back in autumn, so it's best to leave the plant until spring and cut back the old growth when you see the new shoots emerging at the base. Also it's a good idea to mulch around the base of the plant with a deep, dry mulch in winter to help protect the plant. Where the plant is grown in partial shade the stems may need to be supported - if this is necessary use natural materials such as brushwood or twiggy pea-sticks.
- Eventual Height: 2m
- Eventual Spread: 0.45m