Solved Ver-something!

I got a perennial from dobbies last year. It was leafy at the base up to about 20cm, then from that slim stems rose up another 20cm with small Pom-Pom like flowers. I think the underside of the flowers has slight purple stripes.

 

Sounds like a Verbena.

verbena bonariensis - Google Search:

 

Thanks that’s exactly what it is.

I think I have two other varieties that are more dwarf like ones. At the moment they look similar, but when they flower the stems are thicker and they looks more like daisies. The flowers tend to open and close as they react to sun light too. Any idea what they are?

 

Verbena bonariensis leaves are spikier than those in your picture.

The daisy like ones that open and close sound like osteospermum.

 

Hi @kriss , I don't think that's right. Verbena leaves are few and sparse and they're toothed. Also the stems on a Verbena are angular, almost square, not twiggy like these are.

These look more like Penstemon leaves to me.

 

I'm thinking (have been all day!) Veronica? But that has flower spikes, not Pom-poms....

 

I have a verbena bonariensis and as shiney as said it's definitely not that.

 

Phlox is coming to my mind !..this is driving me bonkers...

 

As it has pom pom flower heads, could it be an allium of some sort?

 

So, what colour are the flowers Kriss? You said the undersides have “slight purple stripes”
Looks familiar to me too!!!

 

Just to throw a couple more into the mix - it vaguely reminds me of Red Valerian.
Another possibility - how about perennial cornflower (Centaurea)?