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Verbena bonariensis

Verbena bonariensis 1

Do you have a favorite annual*? One you just can’t imagine your garden to ever be without? It’s difficult for me to narrow it down–there are just so many to love–but if I had to, Verbena bonariensis would be at the top of the list. {*EDIT: Actually a tender perennial that is winter hardy to USDA Zones 7-10. Here in WNC, I mulch the base of the plant in winter which helps it endure the cold.}

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This is one of those plants I call “see-through” because it’s so light and airy and design-wise can fit practically anywhere in the border. Oh who am I kidding, I have yet to follow any kind of real design, but thankfully Verbena bonariensis makes it all look so easy.

Verbena bonariensis via Hedgerow Rose

That’s because it is! This is truly one of the easiest to grow…sort of a plant it and forget it type. In fact, I don’t really do anything in terms of maintenance except pull up (and transplant) seedlings that pop up where I don’t want them to.

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Verbena bonariensis if left to go to seed, will feed the birds during winter and what’s left will distribute themselves willy-nilly in the garden. So really, it’s just a one-time deal as far as sowing goes and then they’re off to the races. They will bloom from summer well into autumn in full sun to even a bit of light shade and as you can see from these photos, the pollinators love the flowers; ours were visited constantly by various bees, butterflies and moths. Right now, as I look out the window to a snow-filled winterscape, there are juncos, sparrows and finches having a little bird party out there gathering seeds. It really is a plant for all seasons!

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Since we’re leaving, I collected many seed heads for myself last autumn to bring to the next garden. I can’t wait to get them established and then sit back and watch the pollinators arrive!

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7 Comments

  1. I really like these, too. They’re like miniature butterfly bushes, and look so nice when there’s a big clump of them. I planted my first one last year, and down here it’s a perennial. Maybe a biennial or short-lived perennial or super-hardy annual. Not sure. At any rate, they’re sold as perennials, and the one I have was still alive through the ice storm last week. I’m glad to know that they’ll seed if happy. Very cute plants. The flowers remind me of chives, a bit.

    1. I must add, now that I think of it, the hummingbird sphinx moth liked mine, too (that and the phlox). Can never quite decide if those things are creepy or adorable. I sure like having them around, though.

      1. How lovely that you get to enjoy flowers year-round! You’re right, the flowers grouped together do kind of remind me of a butterfly bush. Thank you for your visit Lady W 🙂

  2. I have Verbena bonariensis, eucalyptus, and lisianthus seedlings growing right now under my small grow light. More seeds are waiting to be planted. I can’t wait till spring. I have had enough of the below subzero temperature and snow. Bring on Spring!!

    1. I’ve had quite enough of winter, too! It must be so encouraging to see those little seedlings growing right now. What is is now, just 25 days until official spring? Hopefully the weather will actually cooperate with the calendar. 😉

  3. I love Verbena bonariensis, though I have no growing here… I’ll have to plant some this spring. It was all over my Cleveland garden.

    I have lots of other annuals I can’t live without. Nasturtiums would be at the top of the list for me. And scarlet runner bean… that one mostly because of how much the hummingbirds love it.

    1. Nasturtiums are flowers I love to have tucked in the garden, too. I love your paintings of them!

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