Verbena bonariensis

Sizes available: HPP #1 (two plants per pot)

Basics: zones 7-11 (not hardy to zone 5, but will self sow if happy), 36-48" x 12", full sun to part sun, tiny purple flower cluster at the top of tall, wiry stems in late summer to early fall, tolerant of most soils except clay, needs good drainage and moderate moisture, but drought tolerant once established

Common names: Tall Verbena, Purple Top Verbena, South American Vervain, Brazilian Verbena, Clustertop

Family: Verbenaceae

Origin/Distribution: native to South America

Habitat: Its native habitat includes roadside and disturbed areas, lightly shaded and open woodland, grassland, waste places.

More: Various pollinators attend the tiny flowers. Pictured is a Maine native, Hesperia comma (Common-banded Skipper). Hummingbirds will also visit. Goldfinches enjoy the seeds. A good cut flower. Verbena bonariensis will flower in its first year and will self-sow, so even in our zone 5 gardens it can persist. Pinch to encourage bushiness and more flower stems. It is a wonderful addition to almost any planting because of its amiable, long-blooming nature and narrow silhouette. Pinching encourages branching, but will delay bloom. Its delicacy belies its adaptability. Front, back, or mid-border, a group of Verbena bonariensis is always a delight.

Nursery: Honey Petal Plants

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons