Verbena - Tall Purple Top (Verbena bonariensis) A very attractive tall growing free-flowering annual in most regions of Canada. Considered a perennial in Zones 7b and up.
Introduced to England from South America in the early 1700's. Butterflies and bees will find this species quite easily with its highly visible clusters of violet flowers, born on rounded heads that appear almost opaque at certain light levels. Blooming continuously until late fall freezes, the narrow dark green leaves are also persistent well into fall. Stems are rigid and virtually leafless on the first 2 feet allowing a good opportunity for understory plantings. Very simply, a must-have annual that self sows for a prolonged yearly show.
100 seeds per packet $4.45
Growing Information: Start indoors 8-12 weeks before last frost. Cover seeds lightly with growing medium and use black plastic to eliminate light. Seeds can be very slow to germinate and very sensitive to excess moisture, so keep your growing medium on the dry side until seedlings emerge. At this time, remove the black plastic and place in light. A cold period of 2-3 weeks and bottom heat will both increase germination. Harden off and transplant outside after the last spring frost. Can be direct seeded after last frost, however, transplant is recommended. Seeds can be sown outdoors in the late fall to enhance spring germination.
