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Herbaceous Perennial

Verbena rigida 'Santos'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

slender vervain 'Santos'

Santos' is a small, bushy, spreading, tuberous perennial to 30cm tall, grown as an annual, with oblong leaves and dense clusters of small, purple flowers from early summer to autumn

Synonyms
Verbena 'Santos Purple'

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Verbenaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Genus

Verbena can be annuals, perennials or sub-shrubs, with toothed or pinnately lobed leaves and small, usually 5-petalled, salver-shaped flowers, typically held in spikes or panicles, in summer or autumn

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun with shelter; protect with a dry winter mulch in frost-prone areas

Propagation

Propagate by stem tip cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Garden edging
Pruning

No pruning required. Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, leafhoppers, thrips and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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