Verbena bonariensis

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Plant of Merit

Tried and True Recommended by 6 Professionals

Common Name: tall verbena

Type: Herbaceous perennial

Family: Verbenaceae

Zone: 7 to 11

Native Range: South America

Height: 2 to 4 feet

Spread: 1.5 to 3 feet

Bloom Time: June to To frost

Bloom Color: Pink, Purple, Lavender

Bloom Description: Rose-violet, lavender

Sun: Full sun to part shade

Water: Medium

Maintenance: Low

Flowers: Showy Flowers

Wildlife: Attracts Butterflies

Uses: Suitable as Annual

Invasive: Where is this species invasive in the US?

Culture

Tender perennial that is winter hardy to USDA Zones 7-10. In St. Louis, grow as an annual in average, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates poor soils as long as drainage is good. Seed may be sown directly in the garden after last frost date. For earlier bloom, start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date. Set out seedlings or purchased plants after last frost date. If sited in sheltered locations with southern exposures, plants can survive mild St. Louis winters. Even if plants do not survive winter, they often remain in St. Louis gardens for a number of years through self-seeding. Plants more freely self-seed in the deep South where they have escaped gardens and naturalized in a number of areas.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Brazilian vervain is a rapid-growing, clump-forming tender perennial. In St. Louis, plants typically form a 1-foot tall basal clump of serrate, lance-shaped, dark green leaves (to 5” long) from which rise erect, slender, wiry, branching, sparsely-leaved, 4-angled stems to 3.5’ tall bearing clusters (to 2” across) of tiny rose-violet flowers. Blooms mid summer to fall. Synonymous with V. patagonica.

Plant of Merit

This plant displays a unique plant form, producing deep lilac clusters of flowers on stiff, slender stems, three to four feet tall. Height can be controlled by pinching seedlings back. Good see-through plant. Flowers from mid-summer through fall. Long-lasting cut flower. Also useful for containers or bedding. May self-seed and naturalize, but easy to control with hand weeding.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for powdery mildew.