Garden Verbenas are mainly native to the Americas and Asia. The exception to this being Verbena officinalis - the common vervain native to Europe.
They have a medicinal and magical history, and they certainly add mystic to your borders.
The star of the Verbena show is undoubtedly Verbena bonariensis. It is in every respectable garden and at every horticultural show. Its popularity is due in part to its suitability to the rising prairie garden planting style which has become popular since the 1990s following the teachings of Piet Oudolf.
It has style, it has elegance and can reach up to 6ft. However due to its ethereal quality, this does not have to be placed at the back of the border as is the norm with tall plants, this is a plant to ribbon through planting schemes as you look through and beyond its delicate blossoms. This is a team player, wishing to merge in and work with its neighbours. A perfect partner for ornamental grasses or other airy plants such as Cosmos.
With its tall rigid stems, it does not need staking and will also self-seed freely. Bees and butterflies love this plant and will thank you for its appearance. Happiest in a sunny free draining spot, if sheltered and protected from harsh winters it should return year after year. Do not cut back after flowering (wait until the new year) as the seed heads and stems add architectural value through winter, in addition to providing valuable food for birds.
For a shorter version of the above, Verbena ‘Lollipop’ reaches about 60cm and like its famous relative is drought tolerant and sun loving, sharing masses of purple blossoms all summer. For pots and baskets try the Candycane or Trailing Mix of verbenas for annual colour.
How big do Verbena grow?
Depending on the variety anything from 60cm to 6 feet in height
Where to grow Verbena Plants?
- Bedding, containers and hanging baskets
- Best results will come from growing Verbena plants in full sun
- Any well-drained garden soil
How to grow Verbena plants?
- Feed monthly
- Water in dry weather
- Deadhead regularly
Sharing the name in part is lemon Verbena, a tender perennial well-loved for its medicinal and culinary uses. It is the leaves rather than the flowers here which are celebrated for their most delicious citrus scent.
Whichever Verbena you pick, you'll be at the height of fashion.
Buy Verbena plants online from Suttons
