Tall Verbena, Purple Top
verbena bonariensis
Also known as: ["Purpletop Vervain","Clasping Verbena"]
Overview
A tall, slender-stemmed perennial herb native to South America, known for its clusters of small lavender flowers that bloom from summer to fall.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","fragrant flowers"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Verbenaceae |
| Genus: | Verbena |
| Botanical Name: | Verbena bonariensis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or border, also suitable for containers in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead regularly during flowering; cut back in late fall or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an overgrown plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) for optimal flowering; tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to full sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyModerate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure good drainage; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; avoid heavy clay; amend with organic matter.
Temperature
Prefers warm conditions (65–85°F or 18–29°C); hardy to USDA zone 7–11.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; avoid over-fertilizing; fertilize after watering.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist.
Best Time: Spring or early summer for cuttings; sow seeds in spring after last frost.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity, indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss.
Hormone
Recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 8–12 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch or cut stems just above a leaf node; shear for overall shape.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back leggy growth to promote bushiness.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, clean blades.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead or damaged stems; remove spent flowers; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; use fresh soil; ensure drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; water before repotting; place in shade initially.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring the root zone is moistened. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture; allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in cold stress; wilting or stunted growth in heat stress.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts; may die back in frost; roots can rot in cold, wet soil.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost; ensure well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; may go dormant in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; apply during growing season; avoid winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season; reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicVerbena bonariensis is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested in small amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicVerbena bonariensis is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested in small amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicVerbena bonariensis is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in small quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Verbena bonariensis attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Is Verbena bonariensis toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How tall does Verbena bonariensis grow?
A: It typically grows to 4–6 feet tall with a slender, upright habit.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Verbenaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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