Quick Facts

• Mature size: Approx. 1200–1500mm high x 400–600mm wide

• Position: Full sun

• Foliage: Fine, mid-green leaves with tall, slender stems

• Flowering: Summer to autumn

• Flower colour: Soft purple to violet, clustered flower heads

• Climate tolerance: Heat, frost, and drought tolerant

• Water needs: Low once established

• Maintenance: Low

Why You’ll Love it

Verbena bonariensis is a much-loved perennial prized for its tall, slender stems topped with airy purple flower heads that seem to float above the garden. Flowering from summer into autumn, it adds height and movement without heaviness, making it ideal for naturalistic plantings, prairie-style gardens, and mixed borders. Highly attractive to bees and butterflies, it brings life and movement to the garden while allowing light to filter through to plants below. Tough, drought-tolerant, and self-seeding in the right conditions, Purpletop Vervain is a favourite for creating a relaxed, contemporary garden feel.

Planting & Care Tips

• Plant in full sun for best height and flowering

• Prefers well-drained soil; adaptable to a range of soil types

• Water during establishment, then sparingly once established

• Allow some plants to self-seed if a naturalised look is desired

• Cut back spent stems in late winter or early spring