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Annual BiennialBeddingHerbaceous Perennial

Verbena rigida
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

slender vervain

a tuberous perennial to 60cm, grown as an annual, with oblong leaves and clusters of fragrant, bright purple flowers on branched stems in late summer

Other common names
hardy garden verbena
large-veined verbena
see moreveined verbena
Synonyms
Verbena venosa
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Verbenaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
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

Correct

Plant range
Bolivia to Uruguay

How to grow

Cultivation

Best grown in moist but well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed or stem tip cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, leafhoppers and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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