Verbena bonariensis

Argentinian vervain

Position: full sun
Soil: moist but well-drained soil
Flowering period: July – October
Height: 1,8m
Foliage: deciduous
Hardiness: needs winter protection

Varieties

Verbena bonariensis

Verbena bonariensis is a superb plant for bringing height and structure to a border. It produces flattened heads of small violet-purple flowers on tall, airy stems with oblong leaves in late summer and will reach a height of 1,8m.

Verbena bonariensis is also a great plant for attracting wildlife into the garden. Bees and butterflies just love it.

Verbena bonariensis ‘Lollipop’

Verbena bonariensis ‘Lollipop’ has the same pretty violet-purple flowers but with a height of 60cm. Suitable for gardens with less space.

Verbena bonariensis Verbena bonariensis

Pruning

Pruning Verbena bonariensis (Argentinian vervain ). Leave the stems intact over the winter. It will provide a bit of winter protection.

Cut back all of the previous year’s growth to ground level in early spring, as new growth appears at the base of the plant.

Verbena bonariensis can self-seed prolifically. If you don’t want seedlings, remove the spent flower heads in autumn.

Overwinter

Verbena bonariensis is not fully hardy. So need winter protection in cold areas. Cover the base of the plant with a thick layer of dry winter mulch as a precaution against dieback

Plant spacing

This tall summer-flowering plant is best planted in a group to create a striking show. Plant Verbena bonariensis 30cm apart.