Verbena is a garden classic that can bloom and perform all summer long with very little effort. It’s origin is South America. Some are considered tender perennials while others are seen as short lived annuals and encouraged to self-seed. They vary in growth habit from spreading, ground cover, containers, edging and garden beds. They have attractive airy stems and flowers that soften any garden. The flowers are delicate funnel shaped borne in clusters and can range from white to pink, red, blue, purple and apricot. Verbena bonariensis is a popular self-sown annual in the genus to grow. It is best as a one year old and allowed to self-seed throughout a bed or gravel. It is suggested to deadhead all forms to encourage extended season of blooms. It is great for attracting butterflies into your garden. Miscanthus and other grasses work well as a contrasting planting combination.

Vibrant Verbena
Published by
Kirsty Wilson
Horticulture is my inspiration! I am the Herbaceous Supervisor at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Photographer, Award winning Garden Designer and Beechgrove Garden television presenter. I want to inspire people to grow plants, connect with nature and have a positive impact on the world. View all posts by Kirsty Wilson