Buenos Aires verbena ‘Lollipop’ (Verbena bonariensis) – nectar-rich perennial – 11 cm pot – height 25 cm

Yes, Buenos Aires Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) 'Lollipop' is a hardy perennial that overwinter outdoors in most of France. It can withstand temperatures down to around -12°C, provided the soil is perfectly drained, as it is standing water combined with frost that kills it, rather than dry cold. In regions with very cold winters or heavy soils, a 5 to 10 cm layer of dead leaves or bark around the base of the stems will be enough to protect it.

Buenos Aires verbena 'Lollipop'flowers over a very long period, generally from June until'the first frosts of 'autumn, often until'October or November depending on the region. Its purple-mauve flowers form small, dense clusters on branched stems, creating a colorful cloud effect that renews itself throughout the season. To maintain this continuous blooming, simply remove faded flowers regularly, which stimulates the formation of new flower buds.

Plant the Buenos Aires Verbena 'Lollipop' in a full-sun location, in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Space the plants d'about 30 to 40 cm apart to give them room to grow while quickly creating a full effect. If your soil is heavy or clay-based, incorporate coarse sand or fine gravel at the bottom of the hole to improve drainage, which is essential for root health. Plant preferably in spring, from d'April to May, when the risk of late frosts has passed.

Absolutely: Buenos Aires vervain (Verbena bonariensis) is recognized by entomologists and gardeners as one of the most melliferous and nectar-rich perennials available in horticulture. Its small tubular flowers, clustered in corymbs, are accessible to a wide variety of pollinators: bumblebees, solitary bees, hoverflies, and especially butterflies, including the red admiral, the ladybird, and the swallowtail, which particularly delight in it.

Yes, the 'Lollipop' variety was specifically selected for its compactness, making it better suited for growing in a pot or container than the ' standard species, which can grow taller than 1.5 m. Choose a container at ' least 25 to 30 cm in diameter with essential drainage holes, and fill it ' with an equal mixture of horticultural potting soil and coarse sand. Place the pot in full sun on the patio or balcony, as insufficient sunlight will result in very disappointing flowering.

The size of the Buenos Aires Verbena 'Lollipop' is managed in two stages during the 'year. During the flowering season, regularly remove faded flower heads by cutting just above a 'pair of leaves or a 'node: this practice, called deadheading, immediately stimulates the production of new buds and prolongs flowering until 'late 'autumn. At the end of 'winter, usually in February-March, cut back all stems to 10-15 cm above the ground to encourage vigorous new growth.

Buenos Aires Verbena 'Lollipop' lends itself to beautiful combinations thanks to its airy silhouette and purple flowers. It pairs perfectly with grasses such as miscanthus or pennisetum, whose beige plumes create a magnificent contrast in texture at the end of the season. Paired with yellow rudbeckias or pink echinaceas, it creates a warm, nectar-rich trio that is very trendy in natural-style gardens. At the edge of a flowerbed, combine it with lavenders, ornamental salvias, or agapanthus for a colorful palette entirely dedicated to pollinators.