Verbena ‘Lollipop’

Description

Verbena ‘Lollipop’ is a dwarf form of the hugely popular Verbena bonariensis perennial. Like its larger sibling, this smaller purpletop vervain cultivar produces narrow, branched stems with widely-spaced leaves. From mid-summer onwards, on top of these branches and stems are beautiful flattened heads of bright lavender-purple flowers. Reaching just 60cm or so, it is perfect for growing in patio containers. Verbena ‘Lollipop’ also works particularly well in prairie-style planting schemes with ornamental grasses. It is a superb plant for butterflies, who search for its nectar-filled blooms.

Grow Verbena bonariensis ‘Lollipop’ in moist but well-drained soil, ideally in full sun. Given the right conditions, it will self-seed freely. In colder areas it may need some protection from winter frost. The straight Verbena bonariensis species is so popular and well-known, but many people find it is just too tall for their gardens. Purple top ‘Lollipop’ is the answer! In fact, it is such a good garden plant, that the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).