Alphabetical Plant Listing

Verbena: How to Grow and Care with Success

Vervain, Verbena bonariensis, Verbena hastata, Verbena rigida, Verbena officinalis


What is Verbena?

Verbena, commonly known as Vervain, is a versatile and attractive flowering plant known for its vibrant blooms and easy-care nature. Belonging to the Verbenaceae family, there are over 150 species, including annuals, perennials, and semi-evergreen varieties.

Growth Habit: Verbena displays a wide range of growth habits, from low-growing ground covers to upright, clump-forming plants. Depending on the species, their size can range from 6 inches to 6 feet (15 cm to 1.8 m) in height and 1 to 3 feet (30 cm to 0.9 m) in width. The plants typically have opposite leaves and square stems.

Flowers: Verbena flowers come in various colors, such as purple, pink, red, white, and blue. The blooming season extends from late spring to early fall, with some species blooming longer under optimal conditions.

Hardiness: Hardiness depends on the specific species, but most perennial verbenas thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-11. They are well-suited for a variety of uses, including borders, containers, rock gardens, and as ground covers. Their long blooming season and nectar-rich flowers make them a favorite among pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

Overall, verbena is a low-maintenance, versatile, and colorful addition to any garden, offering an extended blooming season and attracting beneficial pollinators.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 11
Plant Type Annuals, Perennials
Plant Family Verbena
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Edging, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
Compare All Verbena Great Plant Combination Ideas with Verbena Guides with Verbena

20TK, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 11
Plant Type Annuals, Perennials
Plant Family Verbena
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Edging, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
Compare All Verbena Great Plant Combination Ideas with Verbena Guides with Verbena

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