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Florida Gardening

Verbena bonariensis

8 years ago

This is also called "Purple top Vervain." I would like to know what your experience is with this plant. I have two in my yard at the moment and they are a butterfly favorite. I'm not sure how to care for it, however, and it is reported to be invasive in some areas.

According to what I read it is supposed to be a xeric plant. I suppose that means that once established I shouldn't water it here in Central Florida. Does it need to be dead-headed?

Any information would be appreciated.

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Comments (3)

Michael AKA Leekle2ManE
8 years ago
I had not heard about it being invasive, but seeing as I just planted some this spring, I decided to check with UF/IFAS. According to their Assessment Database V. bonariensis is "Not a problem species" for Central and South Florida. So is it invasive or doew it just self-sow to the point of being weedy in the garden?
juneroses Z9a Cntrl Fl
8 years ago
I agree with you Tom, the butterflies love it. I have a patch just outside my lanai so I can easily see them feeding on it.

I hesitated for several years before adding this to my Florida garden because it was such a prolific re-seeder when I gardened in Ohio. The reseeded plants didn't travel far but were thick beneath the mother plant. In the spring I would spend time thinning, thinning, thinning. But it was time well spent because, mixed with orange and yellow cosmos, it created a welcome patch of color on my sloping front yard where the soil was clay and dry.

I do find a few re-seeded plants here in Florida but, so far, no where near the abundance I experienced farther north. I do deadhead any plants that need it, including the verbena. I deadhead for appearance sake, although it undoubtedly limits the self seeding too.

My verbena are in full sun, sandy soil and under an overhang so they're growing under difficult conditions. They do get the tail end of some spray from a lawn sprinkler. When it's in the high 90's for an extended period, I do walk around the garden with hose in hand, giving the plants, including the verbena, an extra drink.
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carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
The plants I have this year are all volunteers from last year's - which died out. Presuming it is annual for me...?

Will def. be saving seed from this batch.

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