Description
Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora ‘Bampton’ is a really striking cultivar of the species Verbena plant that was found in the town of Bampton in Devon. It’s most striking feature is the unusual dark foliage, that emerges a dark purple-green colour and, provided its grown in full-sun, becomes richer and darker as the season progresses, taking on an almost metallic sheen. The foliage really begins to earn its keep when the flowers arrive from mid-summer, which, much like the better known Verbena bonariensis, are like little pink jewels twinkling above the dark foliage. We grow ours in pots where the delicate foliage and flowers, and the contrast the two together make, can be best appreciated.
These established, garden-ready plants have been grown at our nursery in Cornwall and are provided in 2 litre containers. They will grow to an ultimate height of about 1 metre (40 inches) and a spread of around 75cm (30 inches).
Growing Advice
For the best foliage colour a full-sun spot is a must, otherwise the foliage becomes a more solid green colour (which isn’t unattractive, but might not be the main draw of this plant). Like other verbenas it doesn’t like to dry out but also doesn’t do well in heavy soils, so try and site it somewhere with well-drained soil that retains some moisture during dry periods. We leave the stems on through the winter for interesting structure.
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