Vervain Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora 'Bampton'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Bampton' is characterized by its striking appearance which showcases lush, dark purple to nearly black foliage that stands out in garden settings. The leaves of this plant are narrow and lance-shaped, carrying a sense of elegance in their form. Throughout the summer months, the dark foliage is accented with clusters of small lavender to pinkish flowers. These delicate, tubular flowers are notably attractive to butterflies and pollinators, contributing an additional burst of color and activity to the area where the plant is grown. The contrast between the dark leaves and lightly colored flowers creates a dramatic visual impact. Despite the exclusion of its dimensions, the plant's growth habit is generally one that is upright and branching, creating a bushy and full appearance that can serve as an eye-catching element in gardens and landscaped areas. The 'Bampton' variety of Verbena is a hardy and adaptable plant that brings a unique aesthetic to a planting scheme with its combination of intense foliage and charming flowers.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Bampton Verbena, Purpletop Vervain
Common names
Verbena officinalis 'Bampton', Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora.
ToxicityTo humans
Vervain is generally considered safe for most people when used in moderate amounts; however, it can potentially cause side effects for some individuals. There are no well-documented cases of vervain toxicity in humans, but it is possible that ingesting large quantities of the plant could lead to adverse effects like gastrointestinal discomfort. As with any medicinal plant, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using it, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.
To pets
Vervain is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to pets; however, individual pets may have different sensitivities, and the ingestion of the plant could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals. If your pet ingests vervain and exhibits symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, it is advisable to contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Purple-tinged
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive to Pollinators: Verbena 'Bampton' produces flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Verbena 'Bampton' requires minimal care, making it an easy plant for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is relatively drought-resistant, reducing the need for frequent watering and conserving resources.
- Decorative Foliage: The dark purple foliage of Verbena 'Bampton' adds unique color and texture to gardens and landscapes.
- Garden Structure: Its upright growth habit and foliage provide structure to garden beds and borders.
- Long Flowering Season: Verbena 'Bampton' has a long blooming period, offering a prolonged display of flowers throughout the season.
- Versatile Gardening Uses: This variety can be used in mixed borders, rock gardens, containers, and as informal edging, allowing for diverse garden designs.
- Deer Resistant: Verbena 'Bampton' is not a preferred choice for deer, which can make it a good option for gardens in areas with deer populations.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Verbena officinalis has traditionally been used for its potential to reduce inflammation.
- Antipyretic: The plant may help in reducing fever, a usage founded in traditional medicine practices.
- Analgesic: There are historical references to its use in alleviating pain, although current clinical evidence might be limited.
- Sedative: Herbalists have sometimes used Verbena officinalis for its potential calming effects on the nervous system.
- Digestive aid: The plant has been used in folk medicine to promote digestion and relieve indigestion symptoms.
- Diuretic: There is ethnobotanical use of Verbena officinalis as a diuretic, aiding in the release of excess fluids from the body.
- Expectorant: The plant has been utilized to help alleviate congestion and expel phlegm from the respiratory tract.
- Hepatoprotective: Verbena officinalis is attributed with liver-protecting characteristics in traditional healing systems.
- Antispasmodic: It has also been used to help relieve muscle spasms and cramps.
- Gastric healing: There are traditional uses of the plant for treating ulcers and promoting the healing of stomach lining.
- Wound healing: Topical application of Verbena officinalis has been part of herbal medicine for aiding in the wound healing process.
- Antimicrobial: There is some evidence suggesting that the plant possesses antimicrobial properties that can protect against certain pathogens.
- Antioxidant: Verbena officinalis contains compounds that may exhibit antioxidant activity.
- Galactagogue: Historically, it has been used to enhance milk production in breastfeeding women.
- Immunomodulatory effects: There is some suggestion in herbal medicine that it may influence the immune system.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Vervain has been historically used in ceremonies and rituals, often as a protection herb to sweep away negative energies.
- It can be infused into oils or waters to create anointings for spiritual practices or blessings.
- The flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies, making it a beneficial plant for supporting local pollinator populations.
- Vervain can be used in the art of dyeing, where the plant parts yield a range of colors depending on the mordants used.
- Fresh or dried vervain flowers can add a delicate touch to floral arrangements or potpourri mixtures.
- Gardening enthusiasts sometimes use vervain for companion planting, as its presence can deter some pests.
- The dried plant may be used as a natural stuffing material for small pillows or sachets.
- Vervain can be used in homemade natural cleaning agents, taking advantage of its pleasant aroma.
- In folklore, it is often hung in homes or over doorways for good luck and to ward off evil.
- This plant can be an educational tool in gardens and schools to teach about the cultural significance of herbs throughout history.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Verbena is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Verbena is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Verbena has a history of use in traditional medicine, symbolizing healing and the treatment of various ailments.
- Protection: Verbena is also associated with protection, it was often used to ward off evil and often planted around homes for this purpose.
- Purification: The plant is believed to cleanse areas of negative energy, making it symbolic for purification rituals.
- Love: In some cultures, Verbena is a symbol of love and is used in spells and rituals to attract or strengthen romance.
- Peace: Verbena can represent peace, and carrying a sprig of Verbena is said to calm emotions and promote tranquility.
- Insight: It's thought to enhance creativity and provide insight, making it meaningful for artists and writers seeking inspiration.
WaterVerbena 'Bampton' prefers evenly moist soil, so water thoroughly when the top inch of soil becomes dry to the touch. This might mean watering approximately once a week during active growth, depending on climate and weather conditions. It's better to water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. In a garden setting, this equates to about 1 to 1.5 gallons per square yard every week during dry spells. Be careful not to overwater, as Verbena 'Bampton' does not tolerate soggy conditions well.
LightVerbena 'Bampton' thrives in full sun to light shade conditions. It does best when planted in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. While it can tolerate partial shade, flowering may be reduced. The ideal spot for Verbena 'Bampton' is in an area with bright, unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day.
TemperatureVerbena 'Bampton' can tolerate a range of temperatures but grows best between 60°F and 80°F. It is hardy in USDA zones 7-10, which means it can survive minimum temperatures down to about 0°F. To thrive, keep this plant away from frosty conditions and harsh winds, and plant it in an area where it won't be exposed to extreme cold or prolonged high temperatures above 90°F.
PruningVerbena 'Bampton' should be pruned to encourage bushiness and to maintain a neat shape. Deadheading spent blooms will also promote continued flowering. Pruning is best done in the spring after the last frost has passed. Depending on growth, light pruning can also be done throughout the growing season to remove dead or damaged stems and to rejuvenate the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilVerbena bonariensis 'Bampton', commonly known as Purpletop Vervain, thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH from slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0). A mixture of loamy garden soil, peat or compost, and sharp sand or perlite would provide the ideal conditions for root growth and drainage.
RepottingPurpletop Vervain generally should be repotted once every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. It's best to repot in the spring just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingPurpletop Vervain prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity levels typically found in outdoor garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-drained soil, and sparse watering for indoor Purpletop Vervain.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, enrich soil with compost, and ensure good drainage for Purpletop Vervain.
Hardiness zone
7-11 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora 'Bampton' is Garden Vervain. It begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in spring, germinates typically within a few weeks depending on soil temperature and moisture. The seedlings emerge and establish a root system, followed by the development of a rosette of leaves. As it matures, it sends up erect flowering stems in late spring to early summer, bearing numerous small, purple flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After flowering, in late summer to autumn, seeds are produced and disbursed, completing the reproductive cycle. This perennial plant then goes dormant in winter, with the roots surviving underground before regrowth resumes in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora 'Bampton', commonly known as vervain, is through stem cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by cuttings, choose a healthy stem around 4-6 inches (10-15 centimeters) long, and make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting should then be inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or sand. The environment should be kept humid by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator, and it should be placed in bright, indirect light. Roots typically develop in a few weeks, after which the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the garden.
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