Verbena bonariensis
tall verbena
Verbenaceae

Characteristics: Rounded lavender-purple inflorescences at the terminus of thin, upright stems. From a distance it looks as though the inflorescences are floating. Looks better from a distance, but up-close flowers are cute. Blooms for months.   Tall, upright, very open and stiff- very regular and symmetrical. Adds regularity to a garden. Leaves are small, decussately arranged, with square stems. Closely related to mint family. Native to Brazil.

Growing conditions: Well-drained, sandy soil.

Limitations: Not very hardy.