Botanical Name: Verbena bonariensis ‘Vanity’

Common Name: Tall Verbena

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 7–11; Grown as an Annual in Colder Climates

Size: 36–48" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Upright, Airy, Open, Well-Branched

Sunlight: Full Sun

Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Poor Soils

Water Needs: Low to Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Frost

Fertilizer: Minimal Feeding Required

Features: Airy Lavender-Purple Flower Clusters, Exceptional Pollinator Attraction, Heat & Drought Tolerance, Low Maintenance, Excellent Vertical Interest

Uses: Back Borders, Cottage Gardens, Pollinator Gardens, Meadow-Style Plantings, Naturalized Landscapes

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

More About Verbena bonariensis ‘Vanity’

Verbena bonariensis ‘Vanity’ is a refined selection of tall verbena, offering slender, upright stems topped with small clusters of soft lavender-purple flowers. The blooms appear to float above surrounding plants, creating a light, see-through effect that adds height without heaviness.

Unlike compact bedding verbenas, ‘Vanity’ is valued for its architectural form and movement. It weaves naturally through mixed borders, allowing light and air to pass between plants while still delivering consistent color and strong visual rhythm throughout the growing season.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In trials, ‘Vanity’ stood out for its resilience and ease of growth in full sun and heat. Once established, it required very little supplemental water and continued blooming steadily even during dry, stressful conditions.

We especially appreciate its pollinator performance. Bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects consistently work the flowers, making it one of the most reliable vertical accents for pollinator-focused plantings.

Vanity vs. Other Verbena

Verbena bonariensis ‘Vanity’ represents the most refined expression of tall verbena currently available, combining the natural movement and pollinator appeal of the species with modern breeding and trial-backed uniformity. Compared to Lollipop, Vanity offers stronger stems, more consistent height, and cleaner presentation, reducing the variability that often comes with unpatented selections. Against EnduraScape™ Purple Fizz, Vanity occupies an entirely different architectural role—rising above plantings and adding vertical rhythm rather than spreading to fill space. 

When contrasted with Homestead Purple, Vanity trades ground coverage and persistence for height, air, and a lighter visual footprint. Even next to Lanai® Lilac or Blue, Vanity feels more naturalistic and expressive, prioritizing movement over compact form. In broader plantings, Vanity also distinguishes itself from high-impact series like Lascar™ Black Velvet, which rely on saturation and contrast, by delivering color as atmosphere rather than mass. For gardeners who want the wild charm of tall verbena with the confidence of modern breeding, Vanity stands as the most complete and intentional option in the category.