Buenos Aires Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) is a garden favorite known for its airy clusters of small purple blooms atop tall, slender stems. This stunning Brazilian native, sometimes called Purpletop Vervain or Argentinian Verbena, provides long-lasting color and movement in the garden from mid-summer to frost.
The upright habit and light texture make Verbena bonariensis a gorgeous addition to cottage gardens, pollinator habitats, and modern prairie designs. Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds frequently visit its rich nectar-filled flowers, making it a reliable pollinator magnet.
This non-GMO, easy-to-grow perennial (often treated as an annual in colder zones) thrives in full sun and well-draining soils. Its tall height and delicate appearance make it ideal for background planting or adding vertical interest throughout your borders and beds.
Features
- Tall and slender stems topped with purple flower clusters
- Non-GMO perennial often grown as an annual in cool climates
- Continuous blooming from summer to frost
- Attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds
- Drought tolerant once established
- Great for borders, meadows, and cut flower arrangements
Specifications
- Seed Type: Verbena bonariensis flower seeds
- Common Name: Buenos Aires Verbena, Brazilian Verbena
- Plant Type: Perennial (zone-dependent)
- Plant Height: 3 – 6 feet
- Zones: USDA Zones 7–11 (grown as annual in colder zones)
- Light Requirement: Full Sun
- Soil Type: Well-drained soil; tolerates poor soils
- Germination Time: 14 – 28 days
- Days to Maturity: Blooms in the first year
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Season: Spring planting
- Planting Depth: Surface sow, press gently into soil
- Spacing: 12 – 18 inches
- Optimal Temperature: 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C)
- Watering: Moderate watering; drought tolerant when mature
- Companion Plants: Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, Salvia
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer to frost
- Pollinator Support: Excellent for butterflies and bees
- Uses: Borders, meadows, cut flower gardens, pollinator gardens
- Storage: Store unused seeds in cool, dry conditions
Planting Guide
- Start Indoors: Begin seeds indoors 6 – 8 weeks before the last frost in your area.
- Surface Sow: Do not cover seeds with soil; press lightly into a moist seed-starting mix.
- Transplant: Move seedlings outdoors after frost danger has passed.
- Growth: Plant in full sun; plants may reseed for years of display.
- Maintenance: Water sparingly; no deadheading required due to continuous bloom.
