Sow your Verbena bonariensis seeds indoors from January to April, 0.5cm deep, in a seed tray filled with good quality compost. Keep the seeds moist and warm - 20-25°C is ideal. Seedlings should appear in 21-35 days. Transplant young plants to 5cm apart when large enough to handle, and harden them off gradually before planting out in May-June, after the last frost.

Cutting back Verbena bonariensis in cold conditions can cause dieback, so avoid pruning your plants in autumn and winter. Instead, wait until new shoots start to emerge in the spring. You can then cut back the old growth to around 15cm.

Verbena bonariensis looks beautiful planted in natural and cottage garden settings alongside ornamental grasses and other wildflowers. Their pale purple blooms pair particularly well with white, pink, and blue flowers, such as Nigella seeds. You can also add balance and contrast by planting them with larger flowers, like anemones and cosmos.