Oh we gardeners have patience in short supply! LOL At least I know that I do. But that’s great to hear that these in fact may end up being Lollipops!

I bought the plant last year, the plant itself is definitely a Lollipop but there are seedlings nearby who’s leaves are larger and greener. I’m going to keep an eye on them and transplant to an area in the back in the fall.

Hi Laura (I like your name!) — I haven’t ever heard of Lollipop growing as tall as the full size Verbena bonariensis. Lollipop usually stays around 24 inches tall, while Verbena gets between 3 and 6 feet tall…sometimes even taller if conditions are just right. My first guess is that you’re looking at the tall version that has popped up into your garden via birds or the wind. But of course you know where you planted the Lollipop version, so it’s very interesting they are growing much taller. Did you grow Lollipop from seed or as a young plant? If from seed, it’s possible the tall version seed was mixed into the Lollipop seed packet. Hmmmm…. If you purchased this as a young plant last year, can you contact the nursery or seller and ask if anyone else has had this happen? They could have possibly mixed up the plant tags too. (This happened to me with a panicle hydrangea, and the difference in what was labeled and sold to me versus what I had actually wanted was several feet!!!) Keep me posted if you discover anything. I’m thinking of adding Lollipop to my gardens at some point, as sometimes all of my tall Verbena is just too tall. 🙂

Wow Heidi, thanks for sharing, as that’s helpful to know! I can imagine it being invasive, only because even here in my garden seedlings will pop up in different spots. If this was invasive, it would drive me bonkers! It’s good you know what to look for and here’s hoping your neighbor will pluck them out of the yard right away! Thanks again for sharing!

You’re welcome Rachel! Yes, these plants are hard to find. In fact, the first year we bought one — years ago — it was actually mis-labeled and we thought we were buying a coneflower because the plants weren’t in bloom and I hadn’t learned to recognize the leaves yet. LOL Once it began blooming, I was so excited that we actually had this Verbena!

I’m so glad to read this, Lisa! Thanks for letting me know! And yes, once I learned what the seedlings look like, I was so happy to find them and either let them grow in place or transplant them elsewhere. Free plants are always great!