Quick Facts

• Mature size: Approx. 300–600mm high x 600–900mm wide

• Position: Full sun

• Foliage: Narrow, toothed deep green leaves forming a spreading mat

• Flowering: Late spring to autumn

• Flower colour: Bright purple to violet flower clusters

• Climate tolerance: Heat, frost, and drought tolerant

• Water needs: Low once established

• Maintenance: Low

Why You’ll Love it

Verbena rigida, commonly known as Slender Vervain, is a tough, spreading perennial prized for its vivid purple flower clusters that bloom prolifically from late spring through autumn. Its low, spreading habit makes it ideal as a groundcover, spilling over edges, or weaving through mixed plantings. Highly attractive to bees and butterflies, it adds colour and movement while thriving in hot, dry conditions. Resilient, long-flowering, and easy to grow, Slender Vervain is perfect for naturalistic gardens, gravel plantings, and low-maintenance landscapes.

Planting & Care Tips

• Plant in full sun for best flowering and dense growth

• Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates poor, sandy, or gravelly soils

• Water during establishment, then sparingly once established

• Deadhead lightly to encourage continuous flowering

• Cut back in late winter or early spring to refresh growth

• Ideal as a groundcover, edging plant, or filler in mixed borders