About
A stiff, upright, open clump-forming perennial to 1.5m tall. Both the rough, branching stems and wrinkled leaves bear irregular cream variegation. From midsummer to early autumn it bears compact clusters of lilac-purple flowers; these are a good nectar source for pollinating insects.
About the genus
Verbena can be annuals, perennials or sub-shrubs, with toothed or pinnately lobed leaves and small, usually 5-petalled, salver-shaped flowers, typically held in spikes or panicles, in summer or autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationMay have the potential to become a nuisance due to prolific self-seeding in not well managedGrow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Add a deep, dry mulch at the onset of winter. Cut back to ground level in early spring
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, thrips and leafhoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews