Verbena bonariensis – tall verbena – Verbenaceae

https://www.rhs.org.uk/getmedia/5e888817-9cf2-4b3e-915e-c6455c62e17e/Verbena-bonariensis_WSYD0013564_71464.jpg?width=940&height=627&ext=.jpg

Class summary: From Brazil. Good here but not hardy in certain areas (i.e. North shore). Cold winter kills it. Flowers for months and months. Green stems. Purple top – common name or tall verbena. Aromatic stems. Mint arrangement. Regular and symmetrical. Best in sandy well drained, infertile soil. If the soil is too rich, it’ll fall over.

Site: Full sun to partial shade, zones 7-10. Sandy infertile soil that must be well-drained. Low maintenance. Average water. June bloom time. Purple flowers, attract butterflies. Can be used in a group or massing. Not very hardy, can be grow like an annual in certain areas – but can self seed. In some areas, can be an invasive species.

Aesthetic notes: Architectural, tall perennial. Wiry, interesting frame. Potential massing or contrasting low forming plants.

http://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/04/60/13/4601351_1a6efd7d.jpg