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Verbena - Tall
Verbena - Tall
Verbena - Tall
Verbena - Tall
Seed Packet

Verbena - Tall

Verbena bonariensis
Purpletop vervain's first foray into gardens was in 1726, when James & William Sharden plucked some seeds from a dried specimen that made the long voyage from Brazil to England. The soaring stems of tall verbena support a sea of violet-purple flowers in rounded heads, adding a hazy see-through effect to your garden. But if you take a closer look, you'll see that the flowers are a gathering of tiny nectar-filled tubes that attract all the butterflies and hummingbirds in the neighborhood. Blooming continuously until late fall freezes, with nary a demand, this is a must-have annual that self-sows for a yearly show.
SKU #S101
$3.25
Growing Companions
African Foxglove 'White' Organic
African Foxglove 'White' Organic
Cleome 'Rose Queen'
Cleome 'Rose Queen'
Grass - Giant Feather
Grass - Giant Feather
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
600
Lifecycle
Annual; tender perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
7,
8,
9,
10
Annual Hardiness
Half Hardy Annual
Mature Size
4' h x 1-2' w
Sun
Full sun
Soil
Regular, moist, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Light violet
Features
Great Cut Flower
Deer Resistant
Heat or Drought Tolerant
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
Attracts Hummingbirds
Attracts Beneficial Insects
Notable
RHS Award of Garden Merit Winner
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Cover lightly; requires darkness to germinate.
Sprout Time:
10-30 days
Seed To Bloom:
14-16 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Start inside 8-12 weeks before last frost and keep at 70-80°F. Cover flats with cardboard or black paper to exclude light until germination starts. Germinates irregularly, be patient, but best germination indoors in February and March.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow in mid-spring after last frost.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After last spring frost.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Tall verbena has strong, wiry stems supporting clusters of lilac flowers in rounded heads. The freely-produced nectar attracts butterflies, including Monarchs, and hummingbirds. This care-free verbena is the star of low-maintenance gardens, such as meadow and cottage gardens, planted in large drifts in the company with grasses and other airy plants or contrasted with coarse-leaved plants, such as woodland tobacco and sunset hibiscus. Pinch when 4" tall to encourage branching. Self-sows.
Final Spacing:
1'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
Moderate drought tolerance once established but best with 1" of water per week.
Soil pH:
Slightly acid to alkaline
Fertilizer:
Mix in 2" of compost prior to planting.
Diseases & Pests:
No major problems.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Cut when half of the florets are open.