Verbena rigida (venosa) – Robust and colorful perennial

Verbena rigida (venosa) is a striking and hardy perennial beloved for its vibrant purple flowers, long blooming period, and low-maintenance qualities. With its compact, bushy growth and upright flower clusters, this verbena is perfect for borders, mass plantings, rock gardens, and container plantings. The plant combines ornamental appeal with practical benefits, making it suitable for both private gardens and large-scale landscaping projects.

Characteristics of Verbena rigida (venosa)

Verbena rigida (venosa) is known for its striking, deep purple flowers that continue to develop from midsummer to early autumn. The flowers grow in clusters on sturdy, upright stems, creating an airy, vertical structure in the border. The compact basal rosette of green, lobed leaves provides a well-maintained base and supports the long flowering season.

Key Features:

• Botanical name: Verbena rigida (venosa)

• Color: Deep purple to violet

• Height: 40–60 cm

• Flowering: July – October, sometimes longer in favourable conditions

• Location: Full sun to light partial shade

• Uses: Borders, rock gardens, container planting, landscaping projects, butterfly and bee gardens

• Winter hardiness: Good, can be left in milder climates

The sturdy stems and compact growth make Verbena rigida (venosa) suitable for both solitary use and group plantings.

Location and care

Verbena rigida (venosa) is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It grows best in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. The plant is drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during extended dry spells. Removing faded flowers encourages longer blooms and keeps the plant well-groomed.

Care tips:

• Place in full sun for the richest flowering and intense colour.

• Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot.

• Provide extra water in extreme drought.

• Remove wilted flowers for longer flowering and a neat appearance.

• Combine with ornamental grasses, Salvia, Echinacea or other summer bloomers for a harmonious border.

Application in garden and landscape

Verbena rigida (venosa) is versatile and can be used in various ways:

• Borders and edging – creates vertical accents and a colorful summer bloom.

• Container planting – compact growth and long flowering period ideal for pots.

• Rock gardens and dry gardens – drought tolerant and resistant to less fertile soil.

• Butterfly and bee garden – attracts beneficial insects and contributes to biodiversity.

The purple flowers form a beautiful contrast with yellow, white or pink summer bloomers and can be combined with ornamental grasses for a natural look.

Ecological value

Besides its ornamental value, Verbena rigida (venosa) is an excellent nectar plant. Its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and bumblebees and support healthy biodiversity in the garden. The long bloom period from July to October provides a reliable food source for pollinators, making this Verbena an ecologically valuable addition to any garden.

Why choose Verbena rigida (venosa)?

Verbena rigida (venosa) offers the perfect combination of long-lasting blooms, vigorous growth, and ease of care. Its compact, branchy growth, heat and drought tolerance, and attractiveness to pollinators make this perennial a reliable choice for borders, containers, and landscaping projects. Whether as a standalone accent, mass planting, or an ecological garden, Verbena rigida (venosa) brings color, structure, and ecological value to any garden.