Verbena bonariensis


This is an image I took at Hampton Court, not part of the Show but an interesting plant nonetheless. Verbena bonariensis was one of the first identifications our class had at college on the horticulture course and very nice it is too. It grows abundantly but is subtle and distinguished. According to BBC, "this is a short-lived perennial, and because it is borderline hardy, plants may be damaged by winter frosts. This may be avoided by leaving the dead stalks until spring, when new growth is evident, before cutting them back. A protective mulch should be added around them in the autumn with leaf mould or compost. They do, however, self-seed liberally and resulting seedlings are stronger and more drought-tolerant than those that are transplanted. This is a superb butterfly plant, rivalling even buddleja. The Royal Horticultural Society have given it the Award of Garden Merit." It is indeed a very nice plant.

Common Name: Verbena
Genus: Verbena
Species: bonariensis
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Full sun
Hardiness: Half Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Moist
Height: 150cm
Spread: 45cm
Time to plant seeds: March to April
Flowering period:
August to October

Popular posts from this blog

The Telegraph's Top 10 Spring Flowering Shrubs

Image
Cercis chinensis 'Avondale' - Chinese Redbud Courtesy of The Telegraph Cercis chinensis 'Avondale’ , a form of the Chinese redbud, makes a large shrub or small tree, with masses of purple-pink pea flowers on the bare shoots in late March and April. The leaves then unfurl; they are very big, heart-shaped, pale green in colour and turn yellow in autumn. This plant is hardy, happiest in full sun or partial shade, and likes a fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Halesia carolina is one of the choicest of all spring shrubs (or small trees), having adorable, nodding, pure white snowdrop flowers in late spring, once the plant has a few years on the clock. These are ¾in long, and hang in clusters of three or five on short stalks. These flowers turn into 2in-long, pear-shaped fruit with four wings and a tail. When fully ripe, these are brown, chiming well with the leaves, which yellow in autumn. Halesias like a sheltered spot in sun or part shade in neutral or acid soil. Chaenomel...
Read more

Everlasting Wallflower: The Butterfly's Favourite

Image
People say that Buddleja is the best plant for getting wildlife and butterflies into your garden. I recently took a trip over to my parents house and they showed me the Everlasting Wallflower, latin name, Vanessa cardui. Tens of painted lady butterflies are now swarming into my parents garden, because they absolutely adore this plant. If you like butterflies in your garden, get it!
Read more