Click for previous Image Image 1 of 3 Verbena bonariensis Purpletop Vervain

Verbena bonariensis

Purpletop Vervain

Plant Type:

SUN PERENNIALS

Verbena bonariensis (syn. Verbena patagonica) - Terrific summer to fall blooming perennial with lovely purple rounded domes atop tall, wiry stems that bob and oscillate and dance in breezes. From the tuft of ground level foliage flowering stems arise upwards of 4 to as tall as 6 feet. Stems and flowers do not occlude other plants. They float among and above creating a beautiful accent. An additional bonus is that these flowers draw an extraordinary array of butterflies and skippers. And the hummingbirds hover and sway with them in August - just wonderful. Though often listed as USDA zone 7 hardy we have found that in the sunny micro-climate at the south side of our home in zone 5b that these are permanent residents that also self sow. We believe this plant to be fine in USDA zones 6 through 10. Greatly employed in the cottage garden or even used as a cut flower we would not be without them. Full sun in fertile, draining soil for best performance. Drought tolerant. Established pot grown from seed.


Height:

3-6 ft

Spread:

1-3 ft

Colors:

Purple

Characteristics and Attributes for Verbena bonariensis

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Summer into Autumn

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Spring / Summer / into Autumn

Nature Attraction

  • Honey Bees & Native Bees
  • Deer Resistant
  • Butterflies
  • Hummingbirds

Light

  • Full Sun

Attributes

  • Border
  • Filler
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Massing
  • Wildlife Garden
  • Accent
  • Natural Garden
  • Cottage Garden

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Medium

Soil

  • Draining
  • Fertile
  • Average

Origins

  • South America

Propagated By

  • By Seed / Potted