Verbena Bonariensis – Purpletop vervain

Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena) is a graceful, airy perennial loved for its clouds of lavender-purple flowers that seem to float above the garden on tall, slender stems. Flowering from summer well into autumn, it brings movement, colour, and pollinator activity to borders while taking up very little ground space. A favourite in cottage gardens and naturalistic planting schemes, it mixes beautifully with grasses and other perennials.

Plant Care

Position: Full sun in well-drained soil or containers – perfect for cottage gardens, prairie-style planting, and mixed borders.

Hardiness: Hardy perennial in most parts of the UK (down to around -10°C to -15°C once established).

Hot Tips: Plant in groups for the best effect and allow the airy stems to weave through neighbouring plants. Deadheading can encourage additional blooms, though leaving some flowers to set seed often results in new plants the following year. A magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout summer and autumn.