Re: OT: Butterfly Attractors
- To: i*@onelist.com
- Subject: Re: OT: Butterfly Attractors
- From: H*@aol.com
- Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1998 09:07:49 EDT
From: HIPSource@aol.com
In a message dated 98-09-02 08:43:05 EDT, you write:
<< On the stem, the leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, but each set is
"rotated" at a right angle to the set below it. The flowers come in purple
clusters at and near the top.>>
I did not see the first post on this one but based on the above it sounds very
much like Verbena bonariensis, now, according to Christopher Brickell in The
Gardener's Companion, p.123, properly known as Verbena patagonica.No one else
calls it that, though This is a semi-tender perennial from South America which
has become naturalized in many places. Tall, to perhaps five feet. Airy.
Skinny but wide branching. Narrow dark green leaves with serrated edges. Stems
square in section. Slight tendency to mildew of the bottom foliage in hot dry
conditions. Bright light magenta/purple clusters of small blooms extending
over a long bloom period. Reblooms if cut back. Prolific self seeder. Winters
here in a bright hot location, but more often killed. Much favored by
butterflies, and by gardner's looking for a "see through" plant with height
and lightness. Including Anner. Looks great with the tall orange and red
tropical butterfly weed Asclepias curassavica, or with white phlox and
heliotrope as in my summer border. Butterflies adore it.
Anner Whitehead, Zone 7
HIPSource@aol.com
Anner Whitehead
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