An excellent choice for a border plant, these clusters of deep lilac blossoms show off on tall slender stems. This South American perennial is easy to grow and is very attractive to butterflies such as the Monarchs, Swallowtails, and Fritillaries.
Butterfly enthusiasts appreciate this plant for its nearly magnetic attraction to butterflies, even rivaling the famous "Butterfly Bush." This plant earned the Royal Horticultural Society's prestigious Award of Garden Merit. Its unique appearance of blossoms "floating" on the delicate stems make it a popular choice for wildflower borders.
~ sowing ~
**** Requires cold stratification to break dormancy if spring planting****
Direct sow in late fall, pressing into the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30 days before planting to break dormancy (cold stratification). Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which usually takes place within 14-30 days.
Special germination instructions: Requires darkness to germinate — Sow verbena seeds in 2 in. pots or cell packs, press into soil and barely cover with moist seed mix; do not allow to dry out. Kept at 70° F., germination occurs within 4 weeks.
When to Sow Outside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is 65° –75°F.
When to Start Inside: 10 to 12 weeks before your average last frost date.
Days to Emerge: ~ 28 days
Seed Depth: Barely cover
Seed Spacing: A group of 6 seeds every 18"–24"
Thinning: When 1" tall, thin to 1 every 18"–24"
~ growing ~
Water seedlings regularly until they become established. Though they flourish with occasional watering in especially dry weather, mature plants tolerate some drought in addition to growing in poor soil. Deadhead to prolong blooming. This plant may self-seed to the point of weediness, and is extremely attractive to butterflies and bees. It makes an excellent choice for a border plant.
Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 7–11
Plant Dimensions: 3'–4' tall and 1'–3' wide
Variety Information: 2"–3" clusters of small (¼") purple flowers.
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Bloom Period: Summer to frost
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flower, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant
~ harvesting ~
For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.
- all seeds are heirloom, open-pollinated, organic & non-gmo (unless noted otherwise).
- detailed instructions are included with every seed package.
- inquire for discounts available on bulk quantities.
