Growing Verbena bonariensis from seed

Verbena bonariensis works well in a number of garden settings, such as cottage and contemporary gardens, due to its height and airy appearance. It's also beneficial for attracting wildlife, particularly butterflies.

Design ideas

Growing tall on strong, wiry stems, Verbena bonariensis can be planted in with a variety of different plants. It works particularly well when used in prairie-style planting, in conjunction with other prairie plants such as rudbeckia and ornamental grasses.

Sowing seeds of Verbena bonariensis

Seeds can be sown directly in the ground in spring, or you can start them off under glass in late-winter, and plant them outside later. For best results grow Verbena bonariensis in full sun to partial shade, in moist but well-drained soil. Incorporate plenty of organic matter into the soil before planting out and mulch plants annually with well-rotted compost or manure.

Caring for plants

Verbena bonariensis isn't fully hardy, so plants may be damaged by winter frosts. Protect the roots with a layer of straw or mulch in winter, and don't cut back the dead stalks until new ones have emerged in spring. If left, Verbena bonariensis will self-seed freely and naturalise in borders, so any plants lost to frost should be replaced by their offspring.

Kate Bradbury says

Verbena bonariensis is a fantastic late source of nectar for butterflies. Grow it in large swathes to lure them in!