Verbena bonariensis 'Vanity'
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- Seed Packets (only) £2.95
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average to fast
- Hardiness: Borderline hardy (may need winter protection in colder areas)
Requiring no pinching, 'Vanity' presents itself as a compact purple delight, ideal for smaller garden spaces. Notably smaller in stature due to its shorter stems compared to other cultivars, this Verbena showcases tightly packed flower clusters exhibiting an intensified purple-blue hue, wafting and weaving in the breeze from mid-summer until the onset of autumn frost, attracting bees and butterflies.
In cold conditions 'Vanity' can suffer dieback if cut back in autumn, so it's best to leave the plant until spring and cut back the old growth when you see the new shoots emerging at the base. Also it's a good idea to mulch around the base of the plant with a deep, dry mulch in winter to help protect the plant. Where plants are grown in either exposed or partially shaded positions, they may need to be supported. If this is necessary use natural materials such as brushwood or twiggy pea-sticks.
Early sowings can be started off from February, in seed trays which are kept under glass before hardening off and planting out. Alternatively, after the worst frosts have passed, sow directly into a sunny, well-prepared seed bed, thinning the seedlings out to 45-60cm as they grow. Pinching out the growing tips will encourage bushier plants to develop.