Vervain - Tall Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) Brazilian Purple Top Vervain Tall Verbena Heirloom Flower

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Vervain - Verbena Bonariensis (Verbena bonariensis) Purpletop Vervain Verbena Flower

Perennial ( treated as an annual in colder climates)

Height: 3 to 6 ft tall

The Tall Verbena, otherwise known as the Verbena Bonariensis or Purple Top Vervain, Clustertop Vervain, Brazilian Verbena, Upright Verbena, Argentinian Vervain, South American Vervain, Verbena bonariensis 'Buenos Aires', Verbena brasiliensis, is a rather well known perennial plant by gardening enthusiasts around the world.  This plant is native to Brazil and Argentina, and is an heirloom variety discovered in 1834. Vervain is a member of the verbena family cultivated as a flowering annual or herbaceous perennial plant. 

In USA horticulture, it is also known by the ambiguous names purpletop and South American vervain. Verbena is an upright clump forming plant; airy and branching stems reach 3-6 ft tall and 1-3 ft wide, and hold topiary type clusters of small tube like purple flowers (2 to 3 in wide). Verbena leaves are serrated and lance shaped.

  • Full sun ( sheltered position is best)
  • Soil should be moist but well draining.
  • Midsummer to first frost
  • Germinates 14-90 days
  • Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks in a dark cool place before the last frost. Sow seeds in pre-moistened, sterilized seed starting mix and lightly cover the seeds. Press into the moist earth to make contact.  Keep in a cool dark place for 2 weeks. Bring the trays out of the dark cold area and place in a sunny spot (18-25°C (65-75°F)). Transplant seedlings when they are tough enough to handle and plant out after risk of frost has passed. Spacing 20-35 cm or 7 to 13 in apart.
  • OR  direct sow outdoors after the last frost.
  • Will self sow and spread. Leave the flowers to develop seed heads and pick when dried or let seeds develop seed heads for the birds. In mild regions, cut the plants back before the growth starts again in spring.  In colder regions, take cuttings to propagate new plants in case they don't survive winter as Verbena bonariensis can suffer die back if cut back in the fall; cut the old stems when you see new shoots emerging at the base.
  • Attracts butterflies, and hummingbirds.
  • Great substitute for Buddleia if you want an airier looking pollinator attractant plant.
  • Self seeds and easy to harvest; you will have seeds every year after.
  • Seed Count: 100 seeds