PerennialsVerbena bonariensis
Tall Verbena
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.
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
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
PerennialsEchinacea 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.
PerennialsSalvia 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.
Ornamental grassesMiscanthus 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.