Verbena bonariensis

Description

Common names: Purple top vervain, Tall verbena

V. bonariensis is native to the warm regions of South America. It grows throughout Columbia, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. Mature plants develop a woody base. Tall slender flower stems form during spring and early summer. These are topped with clusters of tiny nectar rich pink purple flowers. Flowers bloom over a very long time- well into early winter here. Research suggests they do not like the frost, but I have found them to over winter well here, and self seed readily. Leaving the stalks on all winter may help.

The tall willowy flowers make them great options in any perennial border as the robust stems will pop through easily among other plants. The flowers are extremely nectar rich and fantastic for all sorts of pollinators, particularly butterflies.

• 1.8 meters (in flower)
• Full sun – part shade
• Free draining soil
• 1 liter pot