A perennial which brings height, movement and beautiful late-summer colour to the garden. A hardy North American wildflower producing slender, upright spikes covered in tiny violet-blue flowers, opening gradually from the bottom upwards. Its distinctive branching stems create an almost candelabra-like appearance, with delicate flower spikes rising above attractive green foliage. Reaching heights of approximately 100–130 cm, it creates a lovely haze of colour when planted in groups.
 
Flowering from July through to September, Verbena hastata is particularly suited to naturalistic planting schemes, cottage gardens and prairie-style borders. Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators, while the tall, slender stems provide structure without overwhelming neighbouring plants. A hardy perennial which returns year after year, combining beautifully with ornamental grasses and other late-flowering perennials.
 
When to Sow: Feb–Apr & Sep 
 
HOW TO SOW:
Sow seeds onto moist compost and cover lightly with fine grit to approximately their own depth. Keep at 15–20°C to encourage germination, maintaining even moisture without waterlogging. Germination can be slow and irregular, and some seeds may not emerge in their first year. If germination does not occur, place the seed tray in a sheltered outdoor position to experience natural winter chilling, as some seeds may only germinate the following spring. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into individual pots and grow on until well established before planting outside
 
Classification: Hardy herbaceous perennial
Expert Level: Some experience required
Germination Time: Variable; several weeks to the following spring, occasionally longer
Flowering Time: Jul–Sep
Site: Full sun
Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil; also tolerates heavier soils where drainage is adequate
Soil Acidity: Acid, neutral or alkaline
Moisture: Prefers moisture-retentive soil but tolerates some dryness once established
 
Care: Cut back dead stems in late winter or early spring and remove unwanted seedlings if necessary
Use: Cottage gardens, naturalistic planting, prairie-style borders, wildlife gardens and pollinator-friendly planting
 
Harvesting: Cut stems when several flowers have opened along the spikes, ideally early in the morning, and place immediately into fresh water
Days to Maturity: Year 2 
Vase Life:  5–7 days
Height: 100–130 cm
Plant Spacing: 30–45 cm