Verbena bonariensis (Purple Top Vervain)

Delivery November
Available for delivery in November, when bare-root perennials are ready for seasonal planting.

1 bare root
£7.89
£7.89 each
3 bare roots Most popular
£19.89
£6.63 each
Save 16%
6 bare roots Best value
£35.19
£5.87 each
Save 26%

Free delivery on £40+ orders

Carbon-Neutral Delivery

Bloom or Bust Guarantee

Its tall, wiry stems give a border height without heaviness, carrying lilac-purple flowers that bees and butterflies can visit for months.

Verbena bonariensis is a much-loved architectural perennial, with tall, wiry stems topped by lilac-purple flower clusters that appear to float above the border from summer into autumn.

Its open, airy habit threads beautifully through grasses and herbaceous planting without blocking the view, while the nectar-rich flowers are especially valuable to bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects.

Plant in full sun in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained or well-drained soil. It is particularly effective in cottage gardens, prairie-style planting, wildlife borders and generous naturalistic drifts.

Water while plants establish and during prolonged dry spells. Leave the stems for winter structure if desired, then cut them down in spring as fresh growth emerges from the base.

Botanical name Verbena bonariensis
Common name Purple Top Vervain
Flower colour Lilac-purple
Supplied as Bare root
Established height 150-250 cm
Established spread 10-50 cm
Plant spacing 30-45 cm apart
Leaf colour Green
Habit Upright, airy, clump-forming
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Fully Hardy
Years to establish 2-5 years
Sunlight Full-Sun
Position Exposed or Sheltered
Suitable for Borders, Cottage Gardens, Prairie Planting, Wildlife Gardens, Cutting Gardens
Soil acidity Any
Soil moisture Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil type Chalk, Loam, Sand
RHS Award (AGM) Yes
Growing skill Easy to grow
Pollinator-friendly Yes

Where to Plant:

Verbena bonariensis thrives in a warm, sunny position in moist but well-drained or well-drained soil. Its tall, see-through stems are ideal for weaving through cottage, prairie and wildlife borders without hiding the plants behind them.

How to Plant:

Plant bare roots from October to April when the soil is workable and not frozen or waterlogged. Position the crown at or just below soil level, space plants 30-45cm apart, firm gently and water well. In colder gardens, add a dry winter mulch around the root zone while keeping the crown clear.

Aftercare:

Water while plants establish and during prolonged dry spells. Deadhead in autumn if self-seeding is not wanted, or leave the seedheads for winter structure. Cut the stems down in spring as fresh growth emerges from the base.

Planting and Flowering Calendar

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Planting
Flowering

Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

Attracts wildlife

Drought tolerant

Good for cutting

Verbena bonariensis (Purple Top Vervain) flowering in a sunny border - image 1

Verbena bonariensis (Purple Top Vervain)

£7.89

£7.89

The Finest Bulbs

We partner with elite growers to provide only top-size, professional-grade bulbs. Bigger bulbs mean stronger roots and more spectacular blooms.

A Greener Thumb

We are committed to a healthier planet, using sustainable growing practices and mindfully chosen, recyclable packaging.

An Unrivaled Selection

Discover an extensive collection of both timeless classics and rare, exclusive varieties to create a garden that is uniquely yours.

Our Bloom Guarantee

If a bulb or plant fails to perform in its first growing season after the care instructions have been followed, we will normally offer a replacement or store credit for the affected item. This does not affect your statutory rights.

Kind Words from Our Gardeners

Arrived quickly and well-packaged. Planted them in some pots on the patio and they all came up. Look beautiful. Thank you!

Careane Wallace

Oxfordshire, UK

The bulbs arrived beautifully packaged and you could just tell they were excellent quality. We had the most wonderful display of daffodils this spring on our patio. Simply stunning. Will definitely be ordering again

David P

Kent, UK

I ordered the mixed hyacinth collection and the scent in my garden this April was absolutely heavenly. Every single bulb produced a strong, beautiful flower and the colours were stunning together. A fantastic purchase, I'll be back for more next year!

Eleanor R

Somerset