Verbena Bonariensis Lilac

Verbena Bonariensis Lilac — variety description

Verbena Bonariensis Lilac (Verbena bonariensis) is an annual flower of the Verbenaceae family. Verbena bonariensis has tall, slender stems with sparse leaves, topped in late summer with flattened heads of bright lavender-purple flowers.

It is ideal for adding height to an ornamental border and also in prairie-style planting schemes with ornamental grasses.

It is an outstanding butterfly plant, rivalling even buddleja.

Verbena flowers continuously from June until the frosts, tolerates heat and attracts butterflies — ideal for window boxes, hanging baskets and borders.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 70%
• Seeds per packet: 850–1150 pcs (0.2 g)
• Seed origin: China
• Sowing: February and March; seedlings
• Flowering: July – October
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Verbena Bonariensis Lilac

Verbena Bonariensis Lilac seeds are sown in February and March. The plants flower from July to October. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Verbena Bonariensis Lilac

• Sowing method: seedlings
• Depth: 0.3 cm
• Spacing: 25–30 cm
• Germination: 14–28 days at 20–25 °C
• Position: sunny spot

The seeds can be sown directly in the ground in spring, or you can start them under glass in late winter and plant them outside later. For best results grow it in sun to partial shade, in moist but well-drained soil. Work plenty of organic matter into the soil before planting and mulch the plants annually with well-rotted compost or manure.

Sow for seedlings in February–March. Germination is slow and uneven — 1–2 weeks of cold stratification in the refrigerator helps.

Flowering and uses

Remove spent flower heads.

Frequently asked questions

When should Verbena Bonariensis Lilac be sown?

The recommended sowing months are February and March. Sowing method: seedlings.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 850–1150 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 70%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Why does verbena germinate slowly?

The seeds have a dormancy period — keep them for 1–2 weeks in a moist substrate in the refrigerator, then move them somewhere warm.