Overview
Verbena 'Purple Haze' is a perennial in the genus Verbena, part of the Verbenaceae family. Verbena 'Purple Haze' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers and ground cover.
About
Verbena 'Purple Haze' is a cultivated form of the genus Verbena (family Verbenaceae) selected for its floral display. As with other verbenas, it bears small, five-petalled flowers carried in dense spikes and is seen in cultivars in colours including purple. In the UK it flowers from June to October, providing an extended season of bloom. Leaves are generally opposite and simple, a typical trait of the genus.
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
In the garden
Verbena 'Purple Haze' belongs to the genus Verbena within the Verbenaceae family, a group that includes around 150 species ranging from annuals to herbaceous or semi-woody perennials. The majority of species are native to the Americas and Asia, while the European representative Verbena officinalis is native to Europe. Flowers in the genus are small, five-petalled and typically borne in tight spikes; cultivated varieties are available in blue, white, pink and purple tones. Plants of this genus usually show opposite, simple leaves which are often hairy in many species. Flowering in the UK for this cultivar runs from June to October, so expect displays through summer and into autumn. Forms within the genus differ in lifespan—some behave as annuals and others as perennials—so check the specific plant label when choosing stock. Choose plants labelled as the cultivar you want and allow their flowering spikes to develop fully; the long UK flowering window makes them useful where prolonged colour is required. For gardeners tracking seasonal interest, the most reliable indicator of performance with Verbena 'Purple Haze' is the duration of its flower spikes, which carry colour from June right through to October.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Verbena
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered to exposed
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Verbena 'Purple Haze' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, containers, ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Verbena 'Purple Haze'
- Cultivation
- Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Water moderately. Deadhead to prolong flowering.
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- Propagation
- cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Verbena 'Purple Haze'?
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Water moderately. Deadhead to prolong flowering.
Where is the best place to plant Verbena 'Purple Haze'?
Verbena 'Purple Haze' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.
What soil does Verbena 'Purple Haze' need?
Verbena 'Purple Haze' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Verbena 'Purple Haze'?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Is Verbena 'Purple Haze' hardy in the UK?
Verbena 'Purple Haze' 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 'Purple Haze'?
Cuttings.
