Care of the plant Verbena bonariensis or Purpletop vervain |
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The genus Verbena, family Verbenaceae, comprises 250 species of herbaceous or semi-shrubby plants native to all continents. Some species are: Verbena bonariensis, Verbena officinalis, Verbena brasiliensis, Verbena supina, Verbena hastata, Verbena x hybrida, Verbena corymbosa, Verbena rigida. Common names: Purpletop vervain, Argentinian vervain, Tall verbena, Pretty verbena, Purpletop. This species is native to tropical South America. They are perennial herbaceous plants that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. They have elongated leaves with a serrated edge and opposite arrangement; They are rough in texture and can fall in winter if it's very cold. The attractive purple flowers appear in inflorescences (dicasia) that attract butterflies. They bloom during the summer and early fall. These easy-to-grow plants are used on borders, on rockeries, in mixed borders and as cut flowers to make floral decorations and bouquets. Verbena bonariensis needs full sun exposure and a warm climate. They resist frosts down to -10º C (14 ºF). They grow in any soil that is well drained, even poor soils. Water regularly but with little amount of water; wait for the floor to dry. They resist drought well. Fertilize in autumn with compost and with mineral fertilizer in early summer. They do not need pruning. Watch self-propagation so that they do not become invasive plants. They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated from seeds sown in the fall or spring and by cuttings in any season of the year. |
Images of the plant Verbena bonariensis or Purpletop vervain |
 Verbena bonariensis  Verbena bonariensis  Verbena bonariensis  Verbena bonariensis |