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Violetsblew

Photo of Verbena bonariensis flower by Alan Lorence

Photo by Alan LorenceView Original Photo

Photo of Verbena bonariensis flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery

Photo of Verbena bonariensis form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo of Verbena bonariensis flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo of Verbena bonariensis flower by Secret Garden Growers

Photo of Verbena bonariensis by Karl Gercens III

Photo of Verbena bonariensis flower by Karl Gercens III

Photo of Verbena bonariensis form by Karl Gercens III

Photo of Verbena bonariensis flower by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens

Photo of Verbena bonariensis flower by Far Out Flora

Photo of Verbena bonariensis flower by Almost Eden

Photo of Verbena bonariensis flower by Danger Garden

Photo of Verbena bonariensis landscape by Karl Gercens III

Photo of Verbena bonariensis flower by plant lust

Verbena bonariensis

Also Known As

Purple Top Verbena
South American Vervain
Tall Verbena
Verbena on a Stick

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 3'-6'
W: 2'-3'

planting zones

7a-10b

More Options

Verbena bonariensis plant details

Verbena bonariensis is an easy to grow broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with green foliage. In fall and summer blue and purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees, birds, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, gritty, lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Verbena bonariensis

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: verbenaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 3 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: blue and purple blooms in fall and summer
Uses: cutting garden, long-blooming, self-sowing, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Verbena bonariensis

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

One to two inch spikes of bright-pink-lavender flowers top the 3-4' stalks of this easy-going southland perennial over a long summer period... just give it some sun and watch it go! S/M

By: Forestfarm

I have eliminated this plant from my gardens three times now…but you continue to ask for it! I give up…so here it is once again. This perennial grows in full sun quickly to 5-6' tall and has wispy stems and an open look – stems are topped with lots of violet purple flowers all summer and fall. It seeds all over, especially in sprinkled areas (which you may be happy about…or not…most of you think this is grand). It's easy, colorful, blooms a long time, deer resistant, grows in any soil, drought resistant and one plant will supply you for many years to come.

By: Secret Garden Growers

This useful filler plant self-sows in our garden and perks up the garden in late summer and fall. Stiff 3' stems topped with clusters of lavender flowers also delight butterflies.

By: Avant Gardens

A summer stalwart with stiff upright clumps of branching stems topped with vivid lilac purple flowers beginning in midsummer until hard frost. Very heat tolerant. Let it self-seed to ensure next year's display. This is a great "see through" plant. Be daring and try it near the front of the bed. You'll be able to see past the airy stems to the other plants beyond while giving the illusion of depth.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

A celebrated perennial whose fans include both experienced gardeners and novices, and florists and hummingbirds, this versatile South American native delivers outstanding flower power. Rough, lance-shaped dark green basal foliage gives way to wiry and sparsely leafed angular-branching stems, which elevate a consortium of tiny lavender violet blooms. With fragrant flowers borne in dense tufts atop its airy profile, Brazilian Vervain brings a colorful carefree look to cottage gardens or more wild venues, especially when paired with ornamental grasses. Hardy to zone 7.

By: Digging Dog Nursery

One of the toughest clumping perennials available. Open thickets of hairy toothed foliage and rough stems are topped with dense clusters of unique violet and blue flowers throughout the warmer months. Very tolerant of dry conditions.

By: Zephs

Introduced to England from South America in 1726, this plant has strong stems supporting clusters of lilac flowers in rounded heads. The dark green leaves are unmarked by pest or disease, and it blooms heavily and continuously until late fall freezes. Grow in masses for hazy lavender Self sows.

By: Select Seeds

Angled stems rise wand-like from basal foliage to as much as 5' and are topped with clusters of bright purple flowers. Good choice for the dry garden with full sun or light shade and best kept out of strong winds. Plants reseed freely in favorable sites. Hardy to 15F. South America.

By: Native Sons

A popular perennial that produces flat topped clusters of purple flowers in summer on tall sturdy stems. The tall loose stems create a soft texture and a see-through effect. A great choice for the butterfly garden or at the back of a perennial border. Item# 9405.

By: Almost Eden

You know this plant - it’s one of the greatest all purpose, make your garden look good - no matter what plants. Violet-purple 2-3” wide clusters bloom on airy, 3-5' tall branching stems from May thru October, emerging from a tidy mound of foliage at the base of the plant, up to 3' wide. Looks good anywhere! To encourage branching prune back the first couple shoots in Spring. Wonderful addition to cut flower arrangements. Excellent wildlife plant the bees go crazy for. Butterflies love the nectar & finches eat the seeds, too! Easy re-seeder!