Verbena bonariensis Seeds | Purpletop Vervain
LATIN NAME: Verbena bonariensis
COMMON NAME: Purpletop Vervain
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Purpletop Vervain (Verbena bonariensis) stands out as a perennial in the verbena family. Purpletop vervain is tall, see-through one of border, and wiry stems carry flat-topped clusters of tiny, violet-purple flowers above low plants. Plant is a fine, generous presence of middle of border and meadow garden. It is a plant of open, sunny, well-drained ground. Not many plants ask so little and repay so much.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Verbena bonariensis, a representative of the verbena family with clear practical value. The upshot for anyone sowing it is reassurance — cultivated stock of this plant has a long, well-documented track record.
Uses & Benefits
Purpletop Vervain brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Purpletop vervain is a fine, generous plant of middle of border and meadow garden. Small, flat-topped clusters of tiny, violet-purple flowers open through long summer, one of great butterfly and bee plants of border, and tall, wiry stems rise above low plants in fine, see-through drifts. It has been written up in horticultural and ecological papers for violet clusters and butterfly ways, and it is a fine, generous plant of open, sunny, well-drained garden. Once it has its roots down, it more or less looks after itself.
Lemon verbena’s citral-rich leaves make one of the world’s most delicious calming tisanes, and blue vervain is a traditional nerve tonic; the bedding verbenas are pure pollinator joy.
Growing from Seed
Purpletop Vervain grows readily from seed. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Once established, Purpletop Vervain largely looks after itself. In a sunny, freely drained position it needs little looking after.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Purpletop Vervain often pair it with these related subjects: