A celebrated perennial whose fans include both experienced gardeners and novices, plus florists and hummingbirds, this versatile South American native delivers outstanding flower-power. Rough, lance-shaped dark green basal foliage gives way to wiry and sparsely leafed angular-branching stems, which elevate a consortium of tiny lavender-violet blooms. With flowers borne in dense tufts atop its airy profile, Brazilian Vervain brings a colorful carefree look to cottage gardens or more wild venues, especially when sprinkled amid ornamental grasses.

Blooms June–October

Size: 3' 0" – 6' 0" high x 2' 0" – 3' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 7.

This vigorous North American native grows upright and develops a dense, broad crown after a few seasons. The effect is almost candelabralike, with tiny blue-violet flowers and purple bracts opening in an upward-moving whorl along branching flower spikes. The vibrant glow of the flowers reflects the deep purple stems and brightens the dark green pointed foliage. For an interesting blend of forms, plant this Vervain with Rodgersias and Helianthus hirsutus.

Blooms July–September.

Size: 4' 0" high x 18" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

This hearty North American native grows straight, developing a dense, broad crown after a few seasons. The effect is almost candelabra-like, with tiny blue-violet blooms and deep purple bracts opening in an upward-moving whorl along branching flower spikes. The vibrant bicolored glow of the blossoms reflects the deep purple stems and brightens the pointed dark green opposite foliage. For an arresting blend of forms, plant this Vervain with Silphium integrifolium and Sesleria "Greenlee".

Blooms June–October

Size: 3' 0" – 4' 0" high x 18" – 2' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

Petite vividly colored flowers and darker pink buds are housed on well-branched slender spires, which open from the bottom up. The delightful floral parade rides straight-backed, tall swarthy stems clothed in opposite and pointy, lax dark green leaves, creating a dynamic juxtaposition between the untaut foliage and the plant’s stiff upright stature. ‘Pink Spires’s cut-flower-perfect blooms unfurl all summer long, while its lanky bearing adds height to your border and never needs staking.

Blooms June–October

Size: 3' 0" – 4' 0" high x 18" – 2' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

Perched on stiff tribranched candelabra-style stems, small dense clusters of electric purple flowers work tirelessly from late spring ’til early autumn, delighting pollinators and plant enthusiasts. Attractive rough-surfaced dark greenery—oblong and toothed—loosely cloaks the upright bushy habit that endures heat, drought and most pests. A somewhat tender, low growing perennial, ‘Santos’ craves sun and good drainage, fits easily into smaller gardens or containers plus makes a dazzling companion for Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ and Crocosmia ‘John Boots’.

Blooms June–mid-October

Size: 18" – 2' 0" high x 2' 0" – 3' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 7.