perennial

Lollipop Verbena

Verbena bonariensis 'Lollipop'

The Story

Plant Bio

An upright, airy perennial with wiry, branching stems and sparse, lance-shaped leaves. It produces clusters of small, lavender to purple flowers from summer to fall, attracting many pollinators.

Unique compact form makes it ideal for smaller spaces.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesLollipop Verbena adds vibrant purple color and attracts pollinators, enhancing garden aesthetics.
Practical UsesProvides ground cover and prevents soil erosion.
Ecological BenefitsSupports bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
SpeciesVerbena bonariensisPurpletop Vervain

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate once established

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South America

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
  2. Mist cuttings lightly to encourage root development within 2 weeks.
  3. Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy during growing season.
  4. Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer for vibrant growth.
  5. Pinch back young plants to promote bushiness in late spring.
  6. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost, approximately 6 weeks.

Pro Tip

Use a sunny location with well-draining soil for optimal growth and flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water consistently, especially during dry spells 🌱
  • Prune dead or leggy stems to encourage bushiness
  • Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
  • Fertilize monthly during the growing season
  • Provide full sun for best flowering

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot ❌
  • Don’t fertilize in late fall to prevent unwanted growth
  • Avoid heavy shade that reduces flowering
  • Do not forget to deadhead spent blooms for prolonged flowering

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Airy perennial borderWildflower meadowButterfly-friendly garden

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lollipop Verbena questions

What zones can Lollipop Verbena grow in?

Lollipop Verbena is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Lollipop Verbena deer resistant?

Yes — Lollipop Verbena is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Lollipop Verbena bloom?

Lollipop Verbena typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Lollipop Verbena need full sun?

Lollipop Verbena does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Lollipop Verbena drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Lollipop Verbena handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Lollipop Verbena with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.