Verbena officinalis 'Bampton'

Description and Characteristics

Verbena officinalis 'Bampton' is a striking ornamental perennial valued for its dark purple-bronze foliage, airy form, and sprays of delicate lavender-pink flowers that bloom over a long summer season. Though derived from the medicinal Verbena officinalis, 'Bampton' has been cultivated primarily for its ornamental appeal and is appreciated for its light, open habit, which adds movement and contrast to borders.

This plant forms loosely branched, upright stems with fine, deeply cut foliage that emerges deep green and matures to purple-bronze, especially in full sun. From late spring through autumn, the stems are topped with tiny, star-shaped flowers that seem to float above surrounding plants, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

‘Bampton’ reaches 60–90 cm in height and spreads 40–60 cm, making it ideal for mid-border positions, gravel gardens, and wildlife-friendly schemes. It has a long flowering season, is drought-tolerant, and combines beautifully with ornamental grasses and perennials with pale or silver foliage.

• Upright habit with fine-textured purple foliage

• Tiny, starry mauve-pink flowers from June to October

• Height: 60–90 cm; Spread: 40–60 cm

• Long-flowering, wildlife-friendly, and low-maintenance

• Excellent for modern, naturalistic, or Mediterranean gardens

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Verbena officinalis 'Bampton' is an easy-care, sun-loving plant that thrives in dry, well-drained soils. It needs little feeding or watering once established, making it a great choice for drought-prone or low-input gardens.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun for best foliage colour and flower production

  • Will tolerate very light shade, but purple tones may fade

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil

  • Tolerates sandy, chalky, or loamy soils

  • Avoid heavy, waterlogged conditions—add grit if necessary

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during establishment

  • Once established, very drought-tolerant and rarely needs watering

  • In containers, water when the top layer of compost dries out

• Feeding:

  • Does not require heavy feeding

  • Apply a light balanced fertiliser in spring if grown in poor soil

  • Too much feeding can reduce flowering and compact habit

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming

  • Cut back faded stems in late autumn or early spring

  • Light mid-season trim can encourage a fresh flush of blooms

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 7–9 (RHS H4–H5)

  • In colder regions, mulch lightly in autumn to protect roots

  • In heavy clay or exposed sites, grow in containers or improve drainage

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Value

Verbena 'Bampton' is ideal for adding texture, movement, and wildlife interest to a variety of planting schemes. Its elegant form and deep foliage make it a versatile component in modern and informal designs.

• Design Applications:

  • Excellent in gravel gardens, prairie-style borders, and wildlife meadows

  • Perfect for front- to mid-border placements and matrix planting

  • Ideal for naturalistic and dry garden designs

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with Pennisetum, Stipa tenuissima, Gaura, Eryngium, and Salvia nemorosa

  • Contrasts beautifully with pale perennials like Achillea ‘Moonshine’, Nepeta, or Lavandula

  • Complements silver or grey-leaved plants such as Artemisia or Santolina

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Flowers provide nectar for bees, hoverflies, and butterflies

  • Offers extended forage from summer through early autumn

  • Ideal for biodiversity-focused gardens and low-maintenance pollinator schemes

• Container Use:

  • Suitable for large pots or troughs with free-draining compost

  • Combine with grasses or drought-tolerant annuals for layered displays

  • Place in full sun and avoid overwatering

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest-free and disease-resistant

  • May occasionally attract aphids—treat early if needed

  • Avoid overly rich conditions which may promote leggy growth

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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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.