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Verbena bonariensis (Purple top)
1 hour care
per year
per year
2.5m
Max height
Max height
0.5m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Verbena bonariensis
Other names
Purple top, Argentinian vervain, Tall verbena, South American vervain, Verbena patagonica, Verbena bonariensis 'Buenos Aires' , Verbena brasiliensis
Genus
Verbena Verbena
Species
V. bonariensis - V. bonariensis is an herbaceous perennial, with clusters of small, purple flowers from summer to autumn held on tall stems. Leaves are narrow and sparse.
Verbena bonariensis is: Deciduous
Habit
Tall, Upright
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Purple in Summer; Purple in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free
Diseases
Generally disease free
General care
Pruning
Cut back after flowering.
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Verbena bonariensis (Purple top) will reach a height of 2.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Prairie planting, Beds and borders, Gravel
Cultivation
Grow in moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Protect with a dry winter mulch in areas with cold winters.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South
Exposure
Exposed
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3), Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Verbena bonariensis
Other names
Purple top, Argentinian vervain, Tall verbena, South American vervain, Verbena patagonica, Verbena bonariensis 'Buenos Aires' , Verbena brasiliensis
Genus
Verbena Verbena
Species
V. bonariensis - V. bonariensis is an herbaceous perennial, with clusters of small, purple flowers from summer to autumn held on tall stems. Leaves are narrow and sparse.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tall, Upright
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
Purple in Summer; Purple in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free
Diseases
Generally disease free
General care
Pruning
Cut back after flowering.
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Verbena bonariensis (Purple top) will reach a height of 2.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Prairie planting, Beds and borders, Gravel
Cultivation
Grow in moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Protect with a dry winter mulch in areas with cold winters.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South
Exposure
Exposed
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3), Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7
Defra's Risk register #1
Plant name
Verbena bonariensis (Purple top)
Common pest name
grape ground pearl
Scientific pest name
Margarodes vitis
Type
Insect
Current status in UK
Absent
Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
2
Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
5
General biosecurity comments
Main pathway; Vitis spp. plants for planting; already prohibited. However; further consideration of other pathways is required.
Defra's Risk register #2
Plant name
Verbena bonariensis (Purple top)
Common pest name
Scientific pest name
Phytophthora tentaculata Kröber & Marwitz - All Hosts
Type
Oomycete
Current status in UK
Absent
Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
5
Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
3
General biosecurity comments
Polyphagous pathogen present in parts of Europe and beyond.
About this section
Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.
Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here
Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.
Date updated: 7th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/
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Verbena bonariensis (Purple top)
Verbena bonariensis (Purple top)
Verbena bonariensis (Purple top)
Early July 2018
Verbena bonariensis (Purple top)
Verbena bonariensis (Purple top) with sweet pea
(09/10/2011)
Verbena bonariensis (Purple top)
Taken Oct 2010 (25/10/2010)
Close up taken Oct 2010 (25/10/2010)
(06/06/2011)
(26/08/2011)
(09/10/2011)
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3), Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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DISCUSS THIS PLANT
I have a very tall plant, which is about 7 ft tall, when the blooms die off, can I cut it down to a sensible height or will this kill it?
Have I lost my Verbena bonariensis this year?
Cold area mean what in temp?
Cutting back
Verbena bonariensis
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