Verbena × baileyana 'Purple Haze'
vervain
A lovely choice for adding height and movement to sunny planting schemes, this elegant perennial forms a neat clump of slender, branching stems topped with clouds of delicate purple flowers. The narrow green leaves create a fine, airy texture and often develop warm red tones as the season draws to a close.
Verbena × baileyana 'Purple Haze' is a fantastic plant for herbaceous borders, cottage gardens and wildlife-friendly spaces, where its long flowering season keeps the garden buzzing with pollinating insects. The taller, more robust habit makes it a great alternative to shorter verbenas, adding vertical interest without taking up too much space.
Grow it in full sun with well-drained soil and enjoy its easy-going nature as it gently self-seeds to create a relaxed, natural look. Cut back in spring and protect the crown in colder areas with a dry winter mulch.
Verbena × baileyana 'Purple Haze' is a fantastic plant for herbaceous borders, cottage gardens and wildlife-friendly spaces, where its long flowering season keeps the garden buzzing with pollinating insects. The taller, more robust habit makes it a great alternative to shorter verbenas, adding vertical interest without taking up too much space.
Grow it in full sun with well-drained soil and enjoy its easy-going nature as it gently self-seeds to create a relaxed, natural look. Cut back in spring and protect the crown in colder areas with a dry winter mulch.
How to care for Verbena × baileyana Purple Haze:
This low-maintenance plant thrives positioned in full sun and well-drained soil. Space them approximately 30-40cm (12-16in) apart to allow for their branching habit.
While drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during dry spells will promote continued flowering. Deadheading isn't necessary, but it can encourage a second flush of blooms. In cold conditions, Verbena can suffer dieback if cut back in autumn, so it's best to leave the plant until spring.
We advise cutting back the old growth to approximately 15cm (6in) when you see new shoots emerging at the base. In winter, mulch around the base of the plant with a deep, dry mulch to help protect the plant.
Support plants in either exposed or partially shaded positions. If this is necessary use natural materials such as brushwood or twiggy pea-sticks.
While drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during dry spells will promote continued flowering. Deadheading isn't necessary, but it can encourage a second flush of blooms. In cold conditions, Verbena can suffer dieback if cut back in autumn, so it's best to leave the plant until spring.
We advise cutting back the old growth to approximately 15cm (6in) when you see new shoots emerging at the base. In winter, mulch around the base of the plant with a deep, dry mulch to help protect the plant.
Support plants in either exposed or partially shaded positions. If this is necessary use natural materials such as brushwood or twiggy pea-sticks.
Sowing instructions:
Early sowings are best started in late winter under glass, using seed trays with gentle warmth (around 18-21°C / 64-70°F) and good light to encourage germination. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, grow them on and harden off before planting out after the last frosts.
Direct sowing can be done in spring into a sunny, well-prepared seed bed after the risk of frost has passed, though results can be less reliable in UK conditions. Thin seedlings to around 45-60cm (18-24in) apart as they establish.
Direct sowing can be done in spring into a sunny, well-prepared seed bed after the risk of frost has passed, though results can be less reliable in UK conditions. Thin seedlings to around 45-60cm (18-24in) apart as they establish.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
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This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
