Sunday, July 29, 2007

VERBENA BONARIENSIS


For years I have had Verbena bonariensis growing in the garden. I've kept it around because it has a see thru quality to it that I really like, and it meshes in beautifully in the mixed borders. I'm right on the cusp of how hardy it is, so some of them don't winter over. But fortunately it self seeds readily so I'm never really without any. Every year it volunteers in different places which I like. It's always a little surprise. Any that pop up in unwanted areas are easily removed. The colour is close to liatris ( although looking paler in this picture) so it really adds small punches of colour where ever it blooms. Butterflies and Hummingbirds love it, so just on that alone I would keep it in the garden. After the seedlings reach 6 inches high they require very little water. This Verbena has a sparse stick like appearance which is why it works so well with other tall perennials, blending in with them, not detracting from them.

8 comments:

Gina said...

It's really pretty. Thanks for the description. I was thinking of adding that to my garden and now when I do, I'll know to plant it in front of something for this effect. I am enjoying your blog.

LostRoses said...

Bob, I coveted it for years before I actually found some in the garden center this spring and it's everything I thought it would be. I'm in love with this plant!

KC MO Garden Guy said...

I will have to look for this plant. Sounds like it would fit right in with the other plants in the mixed border I have. Thanks for sharing Bob. I too enjoy your blog very much!!

Dirty Fingernails said...

I love verbena and yours is much lighter than mine.. I have the old homestead version that is the deep purple and is very hardy here.

Christine Boles said...

Beautiful~
thank you for the info.

lisa said...

I used to have some wild verbena in the yard, but not for the past couple years...think I'll try and sow some next spring. Thanks for reminding me how nice they are.

Bob said...

Thanks to all for the wonderful comments.
I appreciate all your thoughts and your sharing.

Happy Gardening, BOB

Anonymous said...

i have this verbena also and it is something else! Just knocks my socks off. I love it!
I hope to start more of it for next spring.
~Becky