15 open pollinated seeds from our gardens.
 
This is one of those plants that you need to see to really appreciate. The foliage is a deep intense purple with a metallic sheen. Erupting from the foliage are spikes of purple stems topped with small pink/purple flowers. This gives the plant an airy almost floating appearance. Flowering from spring until frosts. It is loved by bees and makes a wonderful feature plant in the border. Grow in full sun to part shade, in moist, well drained soil. Leave the old stems and seedheads on for winter interest, then cut right back in early spring as the new shoots are emerging. Size 100cm high x 70cm wide.
 
Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora 'Bampton' is a beautiful cultivar that was bred from a variety found growing in the town of Bampton, Devon.
 
Excellent for adding interest to floral arrangements, use as you would baby's breath.  Harvest when the flowers are almost open.
 
Due to the size of the seeds, it is best to sow seeds into pots which is done in autumn. Seeds will germinate better with exposure to the cold. This can be achieved by placing the seeds in an air tight container in the fridge for six weeks. Lightly sprinkle seeds on top of potting mix and water in. Keep damp but not wet. Seeds will germinate in spring when the temperatures warm up. Grow to around 10cm in height, harden the seedlings off and plant into the garden.