Verbena Bonariensis, aka ‘Brazilian Vervain’
Verbena bonariensis and Karl Foerster grasses in client garden
Verbena bonariensis is neither a perennial, nor a native to our Southern NH Zone5b. So, why is it one of my Top 10 Plants for Pollinators? Because of its ability to persist until frost, offering both beauty and food for bees and butterflies in the late summer through fall garden. As other plants are in decline and entering dormancy, this beauty becomes the “shiny object” in the garden.
Verbena bonariensis is an annual up here in the New England, but reseeds easily so you only need to start with one plant to gain many over a short period of time. Yes, it may “wander” throughout the garden year after year, but is easily controlled by simply pulling up the young seedlings.
Verbena bonariensis seedlings appear in spring (as cotyledons, they might look like a weed - so be careful!) and spend the summer quietly growing up among other plants. When they reach 1” tall and have produced their second set of leaves, they can be easily relocated to other areas of the garden. I gently grab clumps with a gloved hand “pinching” up small sections and strategically planting them in between earlier blooming perennials. This will create a “see-through” effect later in the summer.
Plant type: annual, native to Central America
Growing Conditions: full sun, drought tolerant
Size: reaches 40" in height;
Spread: clumping, reseeding
Bloom: mid July to frost in Zone 5b
Maintenance: remove dried seed heads to prevent reseeding
Biodiversity: important food source in late summer through late fall
Pairings: monarda, grasses, low-mounding ground covers
Location: place in middle or front of border to achieve a "see-through" effect
Pests: powdery mildew if not grown in full sun
As depicted in the photos below, they are Act Three stars, taking center stage after their companion plants have receded into the background. By late September, Verbena Bonariensis and Goldenrod are the restaurant of choice for our native bees and Monarch butterflies.
