Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora 'Bampton'

Vervain 'Bampton' Verbenaceae

A rather good case of a local plant refusing to remain local. This distinctive, large-growing form of our native vervain was noticed in gardens around Bampton, Devon, where its identity initially puzzled local gardeners. The RHS eventually consulted verbena specialist Eric Clement, who identified it as the large-flowered southern European variant Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora; material was subsequently sent to Wisley. It is now recognised horticulturally as ‘Bampton’. 

The nomenclature is slightly untidy: Kew currently treats V. officinalis var. grandiflora Hausskn. as a synonym of the typical variety, V. officinalis var. officinalis, while the RHS retains ‘Bampton’ as a cultivated name. 

A superb airy perennial, forming upright, wiry branching stems clothed in foliage that becomes increasingly bronze-purple to deep purple, topped from mid-summer into autumn by clouds of tiny violet-pink flowers. Far more elegant than its humble native parent and excellent weaving through a sunny border or gravel planting. It is also very attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Once established it is surprisingly drought tolerant and may even self-seed in favourable conditions.

• Hardiness: H5, approximately –15 to –10°C
• Height: 75–100 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flowers: July–October
• Soil: Moderately fertile, well-drained soil; tolerant of chalk
• Position: Full sun