Verbena Bampton 2ltr

Verbena ‘Bampton’ is a brilliant “see-through” perennial for adding height and movement without blocking what’s behind it. Slender, wiry stems carry deep purple-flushed foliage, topped for months with airy spikes of small purplish-pink to violet-pink flowers from mid-summer into mid-autumn.

It’s a fantastic choice for naturalistic planting, cottage borders and gravel gardens, and it’s also a known favourite for bees and butterflies. Once established it copes well with drier conditions, especially in free-draining soil. 

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant in spring or autumn, while the soil is moist and workable.

Where to Plant:
Choose a warm, sunny spot with well-drained soil. ‘Bampton’ is ideal for mixed borders, cottage and naturalistic planting, gravel gardens, and pots and containers. Good drainage is important, especially over winter.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant so the top of the compost is level with the soil surface.
• Spacing: Space plants around 45–60 cm apart to allow a light, airy clump to develop.
• Soil Prep: If your soil is heavy, mix in horticultural grit to improve drainage. Avoid over-feeding—this plant performs beautifully without rich soil.

Watering:
Water well after planting. Keep watering during the first season while it establishes. Once established, it’s fairly drought tolerant, but will flower best with occasional watering during prolonged dry spells (especially in pots).

Aftercare Tips:

• Deadhead to keep it looking fresh and to encourage continued flowering.
• Leave some stems for winter structure, then cut back in late winter/early spring.
• In cold or very exposed gardens, a dry winter mulch can help protect the crown.

Top Tip:
Plant ‘Bampton’ in small groups so the purple foliage and pinkish-purple flower spikes create a soft haze through summer. It looks fantastic with ornamental grasses, Salvias, Achillea and Sedum.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
Mid-summer to mid-autumn (often July–September and beyond)

Height:
Around 90cm–1m

Spread:
Around 60cm

Position:
Full sun

Hardy Perennial:
With best results in a warm, free-draining spot