You know this plant, and for good reason: Verbena bonariensis is one of the greatest all-purpose, make-the-garden-look-good plants around. Also known as tall verbena, purpletop vervain, or Brazilian verbena, it sends airy branching stems 3–5' tall above a tidy basal mound, topped with violet-purple flower clusters from late spring into fall.

This easy perennial adds height, movement, and see-through color without blocking the view, making it brilliant in cottage gardens, pollinator plantings, cutting gardens, meadow-style borders, and mixed perennial beds. Bees go wild for the nectar-rich blooms, butterflies visit constantly, and finches may enjoy the seeds later in the season. The long stems also add a light, natural texture to fresh flower arrangements.

Plant Verbena bonariensis in full sun with well-drained soil. Prune back the first spring shoots to encourage branching, then enjoy months of effortless bloom. It reseeds easily where happy. Explore more garden-making shrubs and perennials in our Shrubs & Trees collection.