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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym

Verbena bonariensis 'Buenos Aires'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

purple top

A tall herbaceous perennial with erect, branching stems to 2m in height, bearing sparse, oblong leaves. Numerous branched clusters of small, lilac-purple flowers appear from summer to autumn; these are a good nectar source for pollinating insects

Other common names
Argentinian vervain
South American vervain
see moretall verbena
Synonyms
Verbena bonariensis 'Buenos Aires'
Verbena brasiliensis misapplied
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Verbenaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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
South America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained or well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. In cold areas, protect with a dry winter mulch. May have the potential to become a nuisance due to prolific self-seeding if not well managed

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots at 18-21°C in autumn to early spring or let it self-seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wall side borders
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut down in spring as new growth emerges from the base; deadhead in autumn if seed is not required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, thrips and leafhoppers

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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