RHS Reveals Top Plant for Heatwave Resilience
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has named Verbena bonariensis, also known as Argentinian vervain or tall verbena, as the most popular plant in the UK this summer. This lilac-flowered perennial can grow up to two metres tall and blooms from summer to autumn, making it a top choice for gardens battered by recent heatwaves where temperatures have regularly exceeded 30°C and approached 40°C.
Data-Driven Selection from RHS Grow App
The RHS compiled its list of the 10 most popular plants using data from users of its Grow app. Verbena bonariensis topped the ranking due to its resilience and aesthetic appeal. According to the RHS website, the plant thrives in moist but well-drained soil in full sun and is a valuable nectar source for pollinating insects. However, it warns that the plant may become invasive if not managed, as it self-seeds prolifically.
Expert Praise for Drought Tolerance
Guy Barter, the RHS’s chief horticulturalist, praised the plant in comments to the Daily Mail: “Around the year 2000, garden designers switched to a naturalistic meadow-y type effect and Verbena bonariensis does that to perfection.” Mail journalist Ciar Byrne added: “Partly heat- and drought-tolerant, V. bonariensis, or purpletop vervain, is a perfect plant for hot summers.”
Additional Summer Gardening Tips
Beyond planting Verbena bonariensis, gardeners can take other steps to protect their plants during hot weather. Gardeners’ World recommends deadheading flowers in July, which involves removing faded blooms to promote further growth and prevent seed formation. This technique helps maintain foliage health and encourages more flowers.
Another tip from Food & Trees for Africa suggests hanging old CDs in gardens to deter birds from fruit and vegetable crops. The reflective light startles birds, protecting harvests during the key growing month of July. The organisation advises: “Start by hanging the discs loosely so that the slightest breeze makes them spin and catch the sun's rays. Every now and then, change their location around your beds to prevent the birds from getting accustomed to them.”
