Verbena bonariensis 'Lollipop'

Verbena bonariensis 'Lollipop' is a dwarf cultivar of this hugely popular perennial. It bears narrow, sparsely-leafed stems on top of which flattened heads of bright lavender-purple flowers appear in late summer. It’s perfect for growing in containers and also works well in prairie-style planting schemes with ornamental grasses. It’s a superb butterfly plant, rivalling even buddleja.

Grow Verbena bonariensis 'Lollipop' in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Given the right conditions, plants will self-seed freely, but in colder regions they may need protection from frost. Leave dead stalks to provide winter interest and mulch annually with well-rotted manure or compost. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it the Award of Garden Merit.