VERBENA bon. Lollipop

Description and Characteristics

Verbena bonariensis 'Lollipop' is a compact, dwarf variety of the classic Verbena bonariensis, offering the same airy grace and pollinator appeal in a smaller, more manageable form. With its mauve-lavender flowers held aloft on slender branching stems, ‘Lollipop’ delivers long-season colour, architectural interest, and wildlife value, all in a plant that typically stays under 60 cm in height.

The plant forms a low, bushy clump of basal green foliage, with thin but strong stems rising upward to support domed clusters of tiny, nectar-rich flowers from mid-summer into early autumn. The blooms float above the foliage, creating a light, see-through effect perfect for adding texture and movement to beds, borders, and containers.

Compared to its taller cousin, which can reach 1.5 m or more, ‘Lollipop’ tops out at around 50–60 cm high and 40–50 cm wide, making it better suited to small gardens, front-of-border planting, or urban courtyards. Despite its shorter stature, it retains the same pollinator-attracting power and low-maintenance charm.

• Compact form of Verbena bonariensis, ideal for small gardens

• Airy lavender-purple flowers from June to October

• Height: 50–60 cm; Spread: 40–50 cm

• Light, branching habit—good for softening borders or mixing with grasses

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

• Excellent for wildlife gardens, prairie planting, and containers

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Verbena ‘Lollipop’ is easy to grow in the right conditions: it loves sunny spots, needs well-drained soil, and thrives on neglect once established. It may self-seed modestly but is less invasive than the species.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun for best flowering and habit

  • Tolerates light partial shade, but flowering may be reduced

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil

  • Tolerates poor, sandy, or even chalky soil

  • Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged ground—add grit to improve drainage

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly until established

  • Once mature, it is very drought-tolerant

  • In containers, water when the top few cm of compost feel dry

• Feeding:

  • Feed in spring with a general-purpose fertiliser

  • Container-grown plants benefit from monthly feeding during summer

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage further flowering

  • Cut back to the base in late autumn or early spring

  • Light trimming mid-season can refresh untidy growth

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy to approx. -5°C to -10°C (RHS H4)

  • In colder climates, mulch around the base or grow in pots for winter protection

  • May self-seed lightly but not aggressively

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Benefits

Verbena bonariensis 'Lollipop' is a superb choice for adding height and lightness without bulk, and brings significant value to wildlife-friendly and low-maintenance planting schemes.

• Design Applications:

  • Perfect for front-of-border use, small-space gardens, and prairie plantings

  • Works beautifully in gravel gardens, Mediterranean schemes, or coastal borders

  • Ideal for mixing with ornamental grasses for a breezy, natural look

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with Salvia, Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Nepeta, Gaura, and Achillea

  • Blends well with Pennisetum, Stipa tenuissima, and other fine-textured grasses

  • Adds a vertical accent among Sedum, Agastache, and Lavandula

• Pollinator Support:

  • A magnet for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Long flowering window provides sustained nectar and pollen

  • Valuable addition to wildlife corridors and biodiversity borders

• Container Use:

  • Ideal for terracotta pots, raised beds, or balcony containers

  • Use a free-draining compost mix with added grit

  • Place in full sun, water during dry spells, and deadhead for best display

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • May occasionally be affected by powdery mildew in poor air circulation

  • Maintain spacing and airflow, and avoid overhead watering

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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