Botanical name: Verbena bonariensis
Folk names: Argentinian vervain. Purple top

Type: Perennial

Wildlife: Nectar for butterflies including the comma, large white, small white,  red admiral, Peacock and small tortoiseshell.

Flowers: June to August

Decorative merit: Numerous branched clusters of small, purple flowers on erect, branching stems up to 2m in height, bearing sparse, oblong leaves. 

Where: Sun. Back of sunny borders, mini-meadows, wilder patches and gravel gardens.

Folklore: Newer arrival to the UK that has become increasingly popular and widespread in naturalistic plantings, helped by its ability to self-seed. Do you have any stories to share?

Donate seeds to Exeter Seed Bank