Verbena rigida, or slender vervain, is a perennial reaching around 60cm that spreads by underground runners. Clusters of fragrant lilac-purple flowers top its stiff stems through summer, above rough, toothed leaves, and bees, butterflies and moths visit them.
It prefers full sun and light, well-drained soil, and dislikes winter wet. It suits the front of a border or a gravel garden, and works well in drifts with silver-leaved plants and grasses, or in pots.
