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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Verbenaceae (Vervains) |
| Origin: South America |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Purple |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Fall |
| Height: 4-6 feet |
| Width: 2-4 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 10-15° F |
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Verbena bonariensis (Purple Top) - This plant has an open, tall form to 4-6 feet tall. It has dark green toothed leaves along thin square scabrous (rough textured) stems and at the tips of these stems are rounded 2 to 3 inch wide clusters of pinkish-purple buds that open to display pink flowers that later fade nearly to white over a long period from spring to fall. Plant in full sun (best) or in partial shade. Tolerates heat and dry conditions but also more regular irrigation and is perennial in zones 7 to 10; useful as a long blooming annual in colder climates. This plant is native to Brazil and Argentina though has escaped cultivation and is naturalized on disturbed sites in California and the southeastern US. The name for the genus comes from the Latin word for sacred boughs of plants made up of olive, myrtle and other plants (possibly Vebena) and the specific epithet bonariensis, given to this plant by Linnaeus, refers to the city of Buenos Aires (named for Our Lady of Bonaria, patroness of Cagliari), where this plant was reportedly discovered in 1726.
The information on this page is based on the research that we have conducted about this plant in the San Marcos Growers library, from what we have found on reliable online sources, as well as from observations made of our crops of this plant growing in the nursery and of plants growing in the nursery's garden and those in other gardens where we may have observed it. We also have incorporated comments received from others and welcome getting feedback from those who may have additional information, particularly if this information includes cultural information that would aid others in growing Verbena bonariensis. |
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