I went through the same frustration. I did see that it was a dwarf, but couldn't find anything else. I haven't put it in the ground yet because I'm awaiting a much-delayed fence installation (grrr). However, it seems to be holding up in the pot quite well despite being tipped over regularly. That's all I can offer--well, that and commiseration on the failed quest to find the tall kind!

Lisa

Here is a link telling about VB. From what I read it will grow from 18"-24".

Jane

Here is a link that might be useful: Verbena bonariensis 'Little One'

If you can't find tall plants, you can get seeds. Just throw them on the ground in the fall and you should have sprouts that bloom the first year. I cut the heads in late fall and shake them around in areas where I want more plants.

My vb blooms all summer. I let some go tall and wild for the Goldfinches (it is their FAVORITE garden seed) and if they bend the stems, I cut those to a leaf...then it grows quickly and blooms again.

I have a mass planting with yellow yarrow that gives way to orange and purple agastache. I have another mass planting with canna, bee balm and ageratum. The tall purple verbena looks great in front of perennial amsonia hubrichtii foliage.

Cameron
PS In my zone 7b, it is perennial.

Ugh--This plant has been a disaster. Weak stems, flopping on the ground, puny flowers. If I have the time, I'm going to dig them up and return them.

Don't waste your time and money on this one.