Verbena bonariensis

Argentinian vervain

Location

The Walled Garden

Description:

A short lived perennial, often grown as a hardy annual, with tall, narrow, sparsely-leafed stems on top of which flattened heads of bright lavender-purple flowers appear in late-summer. Perfect for bringing height to an ornamental border, either at the back or front, and also works well in prairie-style plating schemes with ornamental grasses.

Site and Care:

Grow in moist but well-drained soil of any type in full sun. They will self-seed freely, but in colder regions they may need protection from frost. Leave dead stalks to provide winter interest and mulch annually with well-rotted manure or compost. Cut back in late autumn to prevent winter damage or in early spring. Propagate from seed sown in spring.