Verbena bonariensis is a tall, airy herbaceous perennial with stiff, four-angled green stems that branch above a narrow leafy base. Sparse opposite leaves are oblong to lance-shaped, coarsely serrated, and largest near the lower stems. From summer into autumn, small salver-shaped purple flowers gather in compact terminal clusters, creating a transparent veil of color that remains easy to see through.
Grow it in full sun in moderately fertile soil that is moist but freely drained. It accepts chalk, loam, or sand and performs well in exposed or sheltered positions. Water during establishment, avoid waterlogged winter soil, and use a dry protective mulch in colder gardens. Its narrow footprint suits prairie-style borders, gravel gardens, and naturalistic plantings among grasses and lower perennials.
Sow seed from autumn to early spring or allow selected plants to self-seed, while deadheading unwanted seed heads before they mature. Leave old stems through winter if their structure is useful, then cut them down in spring as fresh basal growth appears. Aphids, thrips, leafhoppers, and powdery mildew may occur. The flowers provide a valuable nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects.
