VERBENA bonariensis

Purple - Shades of purple/mauve/lilac/violet - violet purple

Height - to 2m (6½ft)

Spread - 45cm (18in)

Herbaceous - Early in the year, typically January till end of March, herbaceous plants might be supplied in 9cm pots to ensure timely despatch. - stiff, upright, open, clump-forming perennial with rough, branching stems bearing a few oblong-lance-shaped, wrinkled leaves to 13cm (5in) long with toothed margins. Produces flowers 6mm (¼in) across in flat heads to 5cm (2in) across from midsummer to autumn.

Hardy - average winter - Hardy through most of the UK apart from inland valleys, at altitude and central/northerly locations. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F)

Full sun - protect with winter mulch in frosty areas

Additional Features - Good to know - wildlife plant. Superb for butterflies. Short-lived but self-seeds to give strong plants.

Pests & Diseases - aphids, leaf hoppers, thrips, slugs

Place of origin - South America (Brazil to Argentina)

Hardiness - Frost hardy (down to -5) -

Seasonal Interest - Autumn

Soil Conditions - Fertile moist well-drained soil

Wildlife - Bee friendly

Butterfly friendly

Rabbit Resistant