VERBENA

Along season of interest, ease of cultivation and usefulness to pollinating insects and other beneficial wildlife are all qualities I look for when selecting plants for the garden. The genus Verbena ticks all the boxes. There are about 250 species of annuals and perennials, with the majority of species and cultivars grown ornamentally derived from the Americas with Verbena bonariensis probably the most familiar to gardeners.

Characteristics of this genus include square stems usually with opposite toothed leaves all covered in coarse hairs that make them slightly abrasive to the skin when handled. They have clusters of small tubular flowers that are sweetly scented, attracting butterflies and moths as their main pollinators, and have tiny nutlet-like seeds. They vary significantly in. to 2m or more in . . There are about 20 species and cultivars currently available in the UK.