Verbena officinalis Bampton | First-Year-Flowering Perennial

Verbena officinalis ‘Bampton’ is one of the most distinctive and beloved verbena varieties in modern gardens. First discovered near the town of Bampton in Devon, this exceptional form is celebrated for its slender deep purple stems, airy, translucent flower clouds, and richly dark, ornamental foliage.

From June through October, ‘Bampton’ produces a continuous haze of delicate blooms that attract butterflies, bumblebees, and bees, making it one of the finest pollinator plants for modern, naturalistic, and wild-style gardens. It is a first-year-flowering perennial, combining fast growth with an exceptionally long decorative season.

Perfectly suited to borders, designer plantings, containers, meadow-style compositions, and cut-flower use, ‘Bampton’ also self-sows easily, creating a natural, light, and effortlessly elegant garden structure.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Verbena officinalis ‘Bampton’
• Type: First-year-flowering perennial
• Height: 60–80 cm
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Moist but well-drained
• Flowering period: June – October
• Use: Borders • Containers • Landscape plantings • Pollinator gardens
• Habit: Bushy, airy, branching stems
• Special features: Loved by bees & butterflies, self-seeding, long flowering window

Why Grow ‘Bampton’?

• Delicate lilac-pink flowers on dark, wiry stems for a striking textural effect
• Long flowering period — from early summer to mid-autumn
• Excellent structural plant for naturalistic gardens
• Compact yet airy habit — stunning when planted in groups
• A favourite among pollinators
• Easy care and drought tolerant once established
• Produces long stems suitable for cutting and floral design
• A gentle self-seeder (seedlings may vary slightly — a bonus for wild gardens!)

How to Sow

Sow Indoors (recommended for reliable germination)

• Surface sow onto moist, well-drained compost.
• Lightly cover seeds or gently press them into the soil.
• For best germination, seeds require cold stratification:
• • Mix seeds with damp compost or vermiculite
  • Refrigerate at 4°C for 6 weeks
  • Move to warmth (~20°C) for germination
• Keep substrate evenly moist, not wet.
• Transplant when seedlings are large enough to handle.
• Harden off and plant out after frost.

Sow Outdoors (autumn or early spring)

• Surface sow in trays or pots under glass (cold frame/greenhouse).
• Natural winter cold will stratify the seeds.
• Germination occurs in spring when temperatures rise.

Growing Tips

• Prefers full sun and moisture-retentive, well-drained soil.
• Water deeply to encourage a strong root system.
• Pinch back young plants to improve branching.
• For best effect, plant in drifts or clusters.
• Cut regularly to prolong flowering.
• After flowering, cut back to maintain shape.
• Allow plants to self-seed for natural, effortless displays.

Cut Flowers

• Long, elegant stems perfect for airy arrangements
• Adds movement, texture, and a naturalistic feel
• Lasts well in bouquets
• Seed pods can also be used for dried arrangements

Ideal For

• Naturalistic & meadow-style gardens
• Cottage gardens
• Wildlife & pollinator gardens
• Contemporary landscaping
• Patio containers & mixed planters
• Long-season colour and texture