Overview
Verbena bonariensis is a clump-forming, columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Verbena, part of the Verbenaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Verbena bonariensis grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers and hanging baskets. It is native to Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Chile Central, Chile North, Chile South, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.
About
Verbena bonariensis, commonly known as the purpletop vervain, clustertop vervain, Argentinian vervain, tall verbena or pretty verbena, is a member of the verbena family cultivated as a flowering annual or herbaceous perennial plant. In United States horticulture, it is also known by the ambiguous names purpletop and South American vervain.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Verbena bonariensis
About the genus
Verbena, also known as vervain or verveine, is a genus in the family Verbenaceae. It contains about 150 species of annual and perennial herbaceous or semi-woody flowering plants. The majority of the species are native to the Americas and Asia; however, Verbena officinalis, the common vervain or common verbena, is the type species and native to Europe.
Wikipedia contributors, "Verbena", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Verbena
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Verbena
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Verbena bonariensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, containers, hanging baskets
- Native to
- Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Chile Central, Chile North, Chile South, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Verbena bonariensis
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; attracts butterflies
- Pruning
- Cut back hard in early spring to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Seed, semi-ripe cuttings, division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Verbena bonariensis?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; attracts butterflies.
Where is the best place to plant Verbena bonariensis?
Verbena bonariensis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Verbena bonariensis need?
Verbena bonariensis grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Verbena bonariensis?
Cut back hard in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
Is Verbena bonariensis hardy in the UK?
Verbena bonariensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Verbena bonariensis?
Seed, semi-ripe cuttings, division.
