Overview

Verbena bonariensis 'Royal Dreams' is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Verbena, part of the Verbenaceae family. Verbena bonariensis 'Royal Dreams' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and pollinator gardens. It is native to South America.

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 4.0Verbena 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 4.0Verbena

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Verbena

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loamy
Soil moisture
moist but well-drained
Exposure
full sun
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Verbena bonariensis 'Royal Dreams' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
herbaceous perennial
Suggested uses
borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens
Native to
South America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Verbena bonariensis 'Royal Dreams'

Cultivation
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established
Pruning
Cut back hard in early spring to encourage fresh growth
Propagation
Seed, softwood cuttings

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Verbena bonariensis 'Royal Dreams'?

Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.

Where is the best place to plant Verbena bonariensis 'Royal Dreams'?

Verbena bonariensis 'Royal Dreams' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Verbena bonariensis 'Royal Dreams' need?

Verbena bonariensis 'Royal Dreams' grows best in loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Verbena bonariensis 'Royal Dreams'?

Cut back hard in early spring to encourage fresh growth.

Is Verbena bonariensis 'Royal Dreams' hardy in the UK?

Verbena bonariensis 'Royal Dreams' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Verbena bonariensis 'Royal Dreams'?

Seed, softwood cuttings.

More in the Verbena genus

Browse all Verbena