Verbena Polaris

 Verbena Polaris is a hardy, floriferous, drought-resistant perennial plant. This more compact, bushy cousin of the Buenos Aires Verbena thrives in the same growing conditions, but its flowers are more pastel, in pinkish-blue to mauve. It blooms from summer to autumn in sunny locations, in containers, flower beds, and sunny rock gardens. It should be planted in well-draining soil, pruned in late autumn, and provided with a thick layer of dry mulch to protect it from severe frost and help it survive winter.

Verbena Polaris is native to South America, specifically northeastern Argentina and the pampas of Brazil and well-adapted to dry summer climates and coastal regions exposed to salt spray. It belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It is a perennial plant with fleshy roots and rapid growth, allowing it to reach maturity in just a few months. It is bushy and branched from the base, forming a clump 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24in) tall and 35 cm (14in) wide. Its long-lasting flowering period extends from June to October. The flowers of the Polaris cultivar are light and bright, arranged in flat, mauve-blue corymbs, and borne on square, rigid, and branched stems. The foliage consists of narrow, rough, and toothed leaves.

Polaris verbena thrives in sunny, well-draining, even rocky soil. It is moderately hardy (down to -10°C (14°F)) and quite short-lived. If the growing conditions are favourable, this will be largely compensated by its ability to self-seed, without becoming invasive. It is a nectar-rich plant that will delight butterflies. It is easy to grow and ornamental, but still relatively unknown. It will work well in a seaside or dry garden alongside grasses, shrubby salvias, or even mass-planted with California Poppies or Golden Agastache for a captivating, contemporary effect. It can also be grown in pots, but don't forget to water it in summer.

Our advice: Also combine it with annuals in flower beds and hanging baskets.