Thompson & Morgan Kew 'Verbena' seeds

Grown in partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, this striking hardy perennial brings movement and height to the back of any border. Wiry, upright stems rise well above surrounding planting, topped with airy clusters of small mauve-purple flowers that seem to glow as dusk falls. Despite its delicate, see-through habit, it's a robust plant that often flowers in its first year from seed, weaving effortlessly through neighbouring perennials and grasses. Its nectar-rich blooms make it a magnet for bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects, and it's just as valued by flower arrangers for its long, elegant stems.

Sow indoors from late winter to early spring, pressing seed lightly onto the surface of moist compost as it needs light to germinate. Keep at room temperature and be patient, as germination can take several weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, pot on and grow until sturdy before hardening off and planting out after the last frosts, in full sun and any reasonably well-drained soil. Established plants cope well with dry spells and need little attention beyond deadheading to prolong flowering. In milder gardens it may self-seed freely, so allow it space to naturalise if you'd like it to spread.

Hand-picked by us for its long season of colour and its value to pollinators, this is a lovely addition for wildlife gardens, cottage borders, or anywhere that could use a little late-summer height and movement.