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Herbaceous Perennial

Verbena bonariensis 'Violetta'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A clump-forming perennial to 120cm tall. Upright, branching stems sparsely bear oblong green leaves and clusters of small violet-purple flowers from summer to autumn; these are a good nectar source for pollinating insects

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 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
pH
Acid, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Verbenaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, 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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Add a deep, dry mulch at the onset of winter. Cut back to ground level in early spring. May have the potential to become a nuisance due to prolific self-seeding in not well managed

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, thrips and leafhoppers

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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