Tall Verbena
Verbena bonariensis
flowerTall verbena is an airy, see-through perennial, grown as an annual in cold zones, whose wiry, branching 3 to 6 foot stems are topped with clusters of small purple flowers from summer to frost. Despite its height it is sparse enough to plant near the front of a border, and it is one of the very best butterfly plants.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 7 days
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Bloom
~90 days
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Difficulty
easy
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Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
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Spacing
18-24 in. apart
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Planting Depth
Surface-press seed (needs light)
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Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Growing Details
Soil Type
Average, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 7 – 11
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
Light feed at planting
Fertilizer
Balanced or compost; low needs
🌱 Growing Guide
Start seed indoors about eight weeks before the last frost, surface-sowing for light, and transplant after frost into average, well-drained soil in full sun. Tall verbena tolerates poor, dry ground once established and dislikes wet feet. It self-sows freely, so it often returns even where winters kill it; leave a few seed heads if you want volunteers.
🌼 Have a different variety?Cultivars of the same species usually share the same basic care — they differ mainly in flower color, height, and bloom form, not in how you grow them. So this guide still applies even if your exact variety isn't the one shown.
Planting Calendar
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Start seeds indoors
Feb 18
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Transplant outdoors
Apr 22
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Projected first bloom
Jul 21
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Black-Eyed Susan — A native pairing that extends the pollinator and butterfly buffet
- Salvia — Adds nectar for bees and hummingbirds on the same long season
- Zinnia — A fellow butterfly magnet that fills the lower tier below the airy stems
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Verbena is seldom bothered; rinse off any clusters and support beneficials
Give it full sun and airflow and water at the base, not overhead
🌸 Blooms & cutting
Cut long stems for the vase as the flower clusters open; regular cutting and deadheading prolong the bloom. Leave the final flush standing to self-sow and to feed late butterflies and seed-eating birds.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
A premier nectar plant: swallowtails, monarchs, and other butterflies, plus bees, hoverflies, and hummingbirds, work the long-blooming flowers, which support late-season migration.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.