THIS tall perennial known as the verbena bonariensis bears clusters of purple flowers on spindly, selfsupporting stems has been appearing in show gardens all over the country in recent years.

Designers plant it peeping through tall grasses and in a variety of mixed plantings.

Unlike bedding verbenas, these verbena bonariensis can grow up to 6ft (1.8m), and its long, slender stems allow you to look through it to the plants beyond.

It is well suited at the front or the end of borders and will attract the likes of butterflies and bees.

Its flowers start in June and continue until the frosts.

Verbena bonariensis like moist but well-drained soil in full sun.

They will benefit from a mulch of organic matter in winter.