About
Santos' is a small, bushy, spreading, tuberous perennial to 30cm tall, grown as an annual, with oblong leaves and dense clusters of small, purple flowers from early summer to autumn.
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, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Gravel garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun with shelter; protect with a dry winter mulch in frost-prone areas
PruningNo pruning required. Cut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by stem tip cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, leafhoppers, thrips and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews