Verbena bonariense is a plant of the Verbenaceae family, from Argentina where it grows in the warmest regions. It is a species that can reach between 100 and 110 centimeters tall by 70/80 wide. The leaves are opposite and decussate, elliptical, with serrated margins and very marked veins on the reverse, of a dark green color. Leaves covered with stiff even prickly hairs.
The flowering that occurs during the summer, from May to August, is an inflorescence with small tubular flowers of a purple-purple color that attracts all kinds of insects, from wasps to butterflies.
Image of Verbena bonariense; Source: kwietnic.com.pl
It is a species belonging to hardiness zone number 8, with an average annual minimum temperature range of -12.2 / -6.7°C, so it can tolerate strong frosts. However, if we have cold winters this species will behave as a deciduous species, and conversely, if winters are warm, it will behave as a perennial species.
It is a species that develops very well in full sun and is very drought resistant, although if it is watered occasionally it appreciates it. It likes draining soils, so we will try to plant it always in any type of soil as long as it drains well. It is interesting to cover the soil with some species of mulch to retain as much soil moisture as possible and avoid as much as possible the appearance of weeds that may compete with it. It is also interesting to note that it is a species that lives well in poor soils in nutrients and organic matter. It tolerates wide pH ranges of the soil.
Image of Verbena bonariense; Source: www.tuniplantenstekplek.nl
It is a species that tolerates aggressive pruning, so to maintain an always young and as compact as possible bush we will perform at least one pruning a year, during winter. However, to prolong flowering as much as possible, a light pruning can be performed in mid-summer when flowering is already withered, so that it blooms again with force.
Image of Verbena bonariense; Source: twiksy.com
As we can see, it is a plant that can be used in groupings of perennial and shrubby plants. With a planting density of about 4 or 5 plants per square meter. Very easy maintenance plant, as no care is necessary for it to look beautiful. No nutritional input is necessary.
It is a very easy plant, which we assure you will give you very good results in your gardens.