Top 4 verbenas

These pretty summer blooms will last until September

V. bonariensis

Clusters of lilac-purple flowers sway gracefully atop tall slender straight stems. Bees and butterflies flock to the blooms, which are produced throughout summer and autumn. This short-lived perennial self-sows around the garden. Grow in sheltered sun. H4½-6ft (1.52m) x W19in (50cm).

V. macdougalii ‘Lavender Spires’

Butterflies really like this clumpforming hardy verbena – upright branching spires of plump heads are crowned with blue-purple flowers from Juneinto autumn. Plant in sheltered sun. H3-6ft (1-2m) x W17in (45cm).

V. hastata f. rosea

Wonderful pink candelabra flowers atop long slim upright stems, from June to October. This hardy clump-forming perennial attracts wildlife, and forms lightweight vertical accents in the border. The seedheads look good, and will set seed around the garden. H3½ft (1.2m) x W17in (45cm).

V. rigida

A great plant for the front of the border, this useful branching upright verbena produces bright magenta-purple blooms from June to October. It selfseeds around the garden, and attracts bees and butterflies. H1-2ft (30-60cm) x W15in (40cm).