purple top
Verbena bonariensis
RHS AGM 2002, RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones7 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size2 to 4 feet tall1.5 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Rose-violet, lavender
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Purple top (Verbena bonariensis) is an annual for borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, and meadows. Cool weather suits it, and it can take a light frost. This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist soil of most types. Deer and rabbits usually look elsewhere for a meal. Its stiff, airy stems let you see through to the plants behind, so try it near the front of the border. Let it self-seed for next year's display.
Pairs well with Magnus coneflower, Prairie dropseed, and Lemon Queen sunflower.
Native range
South America.