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Purple flower clusters of tall verbena against a summer skyPerennials

Verbena bonariensis

Tall Verbena

butterfly gardenpurple flowersdrought-tolerantprairie plantself-seeding

Tall Verbena is a graceful perennial with slender stems carrying clouds of purple flower clusters. Blooming from June until the first frost, it is a magnet for butterflies. Its airy, see-through habit makes it ideal for weaving through other plants in borders.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Low
Height
100–150 cm
Spread
30–50 cm
Hardiness zone
7–11
Family
Verbenaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
purple
Wildlife value
bees, butterflies, hoverflies

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. It tolerates drought well but performs best with occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Protect the roots in cold winters with a thick layer of mulch. Self-seeds prolifically.

Pruning tips

Leave stems standing through winter for structure and to feed birds. Cut back old stems to just above ground level in March. Remove self-sown seedlings where unwanted.

Good companions

Pink-purple coneflower with orange-brown cone in a sunny borderPerennials

Echinacea purpurea

Purple Coneflower

Purple Coneflower is a sturdy perennial with distinctive pink-purple petals surrounding an orange-brown cone. The flowers appear from July to September and are a magnet for butterflies and bees. In autumn and winter, the seed heads attract goldfinches and other seed-eating birds.

Full sunLow60–120 cm
Purple-blue flower spikes of woodland sage in a sunny borderPerennials

Salvia nemorosa

Woodland Sage

Woodland Sage is a compact perennial with striking purple-blue flower spikes blooming from June to August. It attracts plenty of bees and butterflies and works well in sunny borders. Cutting back spent flower stems often triggers a second flush of blooms.

Full sunLow30–60 cm
Silvery-white plumes of Chinese Silver Grass swaying in autumn windOrnamental grasses

Miscanthus sinensis

Chinese Silver Grass

Chinese Silver Grass is a striking ornamental grass that adds structure to any garden with its tall plumes and gracefully arching leaves. Silvery-white plumes appear from August to October and catch the autumn and winter light beautifully. The dried grass remains attractive throughout winter.

Full sunMedium150–250 cm