Tall Verbena (Verbena Bonariensis)

Tall Verbena

Features and Characteristics

Verbena bonariensis, commonly called Brazilian vervain, is a rapid-growing, clump-forming tender perennial. In St. Louis, plants typically form a 1-foot tall basal clump of serrate, lance-shaped, dark green leaves (to 5” long) from which rise erect, slender, wiry, branching, sparsely-leaved, 4-angled stems to 5’ tall bearing clusters (to 2” across) of tiny rose-violet flowers. Blooms mid summer to fall. Synonymous with V. patagonica.

Genus name comes from a Latin name used for some plants in religious ceremonies and also in medicine.

Specific epithet means of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Care and Maintenance

Best grown in evenly moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates poor soils as long as drainage is good. Seed may be sown directly in the garden after last frost date. For earlier bloom, start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date. Set out seedlings or purchased plants after last frost date. Cold hardy in Zone 7 and warmer. Plants may persist in Zone 6 if planted in a protected location and allowed to self-seed. Plants more freely self-seed where reliably hardy and they have escaped gardens and naturalized in a number of areas.

Tall Verbena (Verbena Bonariensis) Requirements

Hardiness zone	7 - 11
Sun light	Full Sun
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for powdery mildew.

Uses

Group or mass in mixed borders, meadows, cottage gardens.

Tall Verbena (Verbena Bonariensis) Details

Common name	Tall Verbena
Botanical name	Verbena Bonariensis
Plant type	Herbaceous Perennial
Family	Verbenaceae
Hardiness zone	7 - 11
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Rose-Violet, Lavender
Flowering period	June - Frost
Height	2 - 4 Ft.
Width	1.50 To 3 Ft.