Verbena bonariensis 'Lollipop', does it come true from seed?

Will be taking cuttings and also wondered about collecting some seed. But will the seed simply revert to the species?

Thanks,

Nick

 

Hi Nick, " Lollipop " is a naturally occurring hybrid so you could end up with all sorts of seedlings even a totally new hybrid.

 

Thanks for that @KFF! Didn't realise that, so it seems that cuttings are the way to go for me then. Was also looking at that 'Little One' recently but I don't really see the point in it, its proportions seem the same as the species, no need to support them I suppose. The thing I like about 'Lollipop' is its lower branching and 'bushiness'.

Nick

 

Strangely enough I was watching gardeners world last night and they had a verbena bampton which might be what you've looking for, I've been looking for the best price of it today for myself.

 

That's a variety of what is commonly known as Vervain @mazambo, it's native to Britain and common in south England, Verbena officinalis...

Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora 'Bampton' - The Beth Chatto Gardens

The whole genus is fascinating to me actually, I rather like Verbena rigida and hastata too but I am going with bonariensis 'Lollipop' which is definitely my favourite. The species is the first plant I grew from seed as an adult (I use that term loosely, LOL) so I sort of have a sentimental attachment to it.

S - Z > Verbena > Verbena rigida - The Beth Chatto Gardens

Verbena rigida f. lilacina 'Polaris' - The Beth Chatto Gardens

New additions > Verbena hastata 'Rosea' - The Beth Chatto Gardens

Edit: I have heard that rigida seeds even more freely than bonariensis, does anyone know if this correct?

Nick

 

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Ok I'm lost now I thought the verbena family are known as vervain

 

"Vervain" is also the common name for the genus AFAIK, family name is Verbenaceae. Verbena officinalis is our only native Verbena, but it's common name is Vervain.

This is why I try to stick to latin binomials whenever possible @mazambo, common names are confusing and it's very easy to get "lost" with them for me. I never bother with common names and don't intend to in the future! Genus, species, cultivar/hybrid, what could be simpler than that?

So when I say geraniums I actually mean geraniums, not pelargoniums!

Nick