Verbena bonariensis, also known as Brazilian Vervain, is an upright plant that bears small clusters of lavender flowers on tall airy stems. The rapidly growing clumps have coarse, lance-shaped basal foliage, but bloom stems are mostly leafless. Verbena bonariensis makes a good "see through" plant that can be used near the front of the border. It is long-blooming, from early summer to frost, and a prolific self-sower. It is a favorite of butterflies, particularly Skippers.
This perennial is native to South America and is used as an annual in much of the United States, but is usually perennial in zone 7 and above.
Verbena bonariensis prefers full sun and average to moist, well-drained soil. It is very heat tolerant and accepts poor soil. The foliage is prone to powdery mildew. If foliage gets ugly, cut the plant almost to the base and it will produce fresh foliage and blooms. We recommend deadheading to reduce self-sowing and to promote more bloom.
