Verbena: How to Grow and Care with Success

Why should I grow Verbena?

You should consider growing verbena for several reasons:

Attractive flowers: The plant produces vibrant, colorful flowers that can brighten up any garden. The wide variety of colors available allows you to choose the perfect shade to complement your existing plants and create a visually appealing landscape.

Long blooming season: Verbena plants bloom from late spring to early fall, providing continuous color throughout the season. This extended flowering period can help fill gaps in your garden’s bloom schedule, ensuring that there’s always something eye-catching on display.

Pollinator-friendly: Verbena flowers are rich in nectar, attracting beneficial pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. By planting them, you can support these essential creatures and contribute to a healthier ecosystem.

Drought-tolerant: Once established, the plants are quite drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for water-wise gardens or regions with limited rainfall. They can thrive in various soil types, provided they have good drainage.

Deer and rabbit resistant: Verbena plants are generally resistant to deer and rabbit browsing, which can be a significant advantage in areas where these animals are common garden pests.

Versatility: With a range of growth habits and sizes, verbena can be used in various garden settings, including borders, containers, rock gardens, and as ground covers. This versatility allows you to incorporate it into many different garden styles and designs.

Low-maintenance:  plants require minimal care, making them an excellent choice for busy gardeners or those new to gardening. Regular deadheading can encourage more blooms, but overall, they are relatively easy to maintain.

In summary, verbena is an attractive, long-blooming, and low-maintenance plant that supports pollinators and thrives in various garden settings. Its colorful flowers, drought tolerance, and resistance to deer and rabbits make it a valuable addition to any garden.

Popular Types of Verbena

There are many types of verbena, with some of the most popular varieties including:

Verbena bonariensis: Also known as tall verbena or Brazilian vervain, this perennial species features slender, upright stems and clusters of small, purple flowers. It can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and is known for attracting butterflies.

Verbena canadensis: Commonly called rose verbena or trailing verbena, this perennial is native to North America and forms a low, spreading mound with clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers. It’s often used as a ground cover or in hanging baskets.

Verbena rigida: Also known as slender vervain or tuberous vervain, this South American native is a low-growing perennial with a spreading habit. It produces spikes of vibrant purple, pink, or white flowers and is ideal for borders and rock gardens.

Verbena hastata: Known as swamp verbena or blue vervain, this North American native is a tall, moisture-loving perennial that produces spikes of small, blue-purple flowers. It’s an excellent choice for damp or wet areas in the garden.

Verbena x hybrida: These hybrids, often called garden verbena or bedding verbena, are typically grown as annuals but can be short-lived perennials in warmer climates. They come in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, purple, white, and bicolor. They’re commonly used in containers, hanging baskets, and as bedding plants.

Verbena officinalis: Commonly known as common vervain or European vervain, this perennial has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. It produces spikes of small, pale purple flowers and is often grown for its ornamental and medicinal qualities.

Verbena tenuisecta: Also called moss verbena, this low-growing, spreading perennial is native to South America and produces clusters of small, brightly colored flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white. It’s an excellent choice for rock gardens, borders, or as a ground cover.

These popular types of verbena offer a diverse range of growth habits, flower colors, and uses, making them a versatile addition to any garden.

When to plant Verbena

• The best time to plant verbena is in the spring after the risk of frost has passed.
• In warmer climates, you can also plant them in the fall for blooms in the following spring.

Where to Plant Verbena

• Sunlight: Plant in a location that receives full sun for at least 6-8 hours per day, as these plants thrive in sunlight. In areas with hot summers, providing some afternoon shade can help prevent heat stress.
• Soil: Verbena prefers well-draining soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.8 to 7.2). Amend heavy clay or sandy soil with organic matter to improve its structure and fertility. Ensure the chosen spot has well-draining soil, as the plants are susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions.
• Placement: Verbena can be grown in garden beds, borders, rock gardens, containers, or hanging baskets, depending on the variety.

How to plant Verbena

• Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil in the planting area to a depth of about 12 inches (30 cm). Amend the soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility if needed.
• Space the plants: Space the plants about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart, depending on the variety and its mature size. Give them enough room to grow and spread without overcrowding.
• Dig the holes: Dig planting holes that are about as deep and wide as the root ball of the plants.
• Plant: Remove the plants from their nursery pots, gently tease the roots apart, and place them in the holes. The top of the root ball should be level with the soil surface.
• Backfill and firm the soil: Fill in the holes with soil, firming it gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
• Water the plants: Water them thoroughly after planting to help them establish. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged until the plants are well-established.

Landscaping with Verbena

Landscaping with verbena can add color, texture, and movement to your garden. Here are some ideas to incorporate this plant into your landscape:

Borders and edging: Plant low-growing varieties along walkways, borders, or garden edges to create a colorful, soft boundary.

Rock gardens: Use drought-tolerant varieties in rock gardens to add a pop of color amidst stones and other succulents or xeriscaping plants.

Containers and hanging baskets: Trailing varieties are perfect for containers and hanging baskets, where they can spill over the edges, creating a lush, cascading effect.

Mass plantings: Plant groups of verbena together in large beds to create a stunning display of color. This can be particularly effective with a mix of complementary colors.

Wildlife gardens: Verbena flowers are known to attract pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making them a great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

Mixed borders: Combine with other perennials and annuals that have similar growing requirements, such as lavender, salvia, or cosmos, to create a diverse and visually appealing garden bed.

Groundcover: Low-growing and spreading varieties can be used as an attractive groundcover in sunny areas, providing color and suppressing weeds.

Remember to choose verbena varieties that are suitable for your climate and growing conditions, and always provide them with adequate sun, well-draining soil, and proper care.

Verbena Companion Plants

Choosing companion plants for verbena can enhance the visual appeal of your garden and provide additional benefits like pest control and improved pollination. Here are some suggested companion plants:

Lavender (Lavandula): With similar growing requirements and a complementary color palette, lavender makes a great companion for verbena, and both plants attract pollinators.

Salvia: Another sun-loving, drought-tolerant plant, salvia pairs well with verbena for a beautiful display of colors and textures.

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia): The silver-gray foliage and blue-purple flowers of Russian sage contrast nicely with verbena and share similar growing conditions.

Coneflower (Echinacea): Coneflowers add height and structural interest to the garden while also attracting pollinators, making them a suitable companion for verbena.

Yarrow (Achillea): Yarrow’s feathery foliage and flat-topped flowers in various colors make it an excellent companion for verbena, providing contrast and texture.

Coreopsis: These daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red can create a striking combination with verbena.

Ornamental grasses: The fine texture and movement of ornamental grasses, such as fountain grass (Pennisetum) or blue fescue (Festuca glauca), provide an interesting contrast to verbena’s bold colors and upright growth habit.

Petunia: Planting petunias alongside verbena can create a vibrant display of colors and textures in containers or garden beds.

Cosmos: The delicate, daisy-like flowers and feathery foliage of cosmos pair well with verbena, and both plants attract pollinators.

When choosing companion plants for verbena, consider plants with similar growing requirements and complementary colors, textures, and heights to create a visually appealing and healthy garden.

Verbena Care

Caring for verbena plants involves meeting their basic requirements and monitoring for pests and diseases. Here are some essential tips:

• Water: Water the plants regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and mid-summer to encourage healthy growth and flowering. Alternatively, you can use a water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding. Pinching back the tips of the stems can also promote bushier growth.
• Pruning: Cut back the plants by about a third in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and prevent them from becoming too leggy.
• Winter care: Most species are perennial, but their hardiness varies. In colder climates, protect tender varieties by mulching around the base of the plants or bringing potted specimens indoors during the winter months.

By providing the right growing conditions and regular care, you can enjoy beautiful, long-lasting blooms from your plants throughout the growing season.

How to Propagate

Propagating verbena can be done through seeds, stem cuttings, or division.

Seeds

• Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Fill a seed tray or small pots with a well-draining seed-starting mix.
• Sow the verbena seeds on the surface of the soil, pressing them gently to ensure good contact. Do not cover the seeds, as they need light to germinate.
• Mist the soil with water to keep it moist, and cover the tray or pots with a plastic wrap or dome to maintain humidity.
• Place the tray in a warm location with bright, indirect light. The temperature should be around 70-75°F (21-24°C) for optimal germination.
• Germination usually takes 2-4 weeks. Once seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger pots and harden them off before planting them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

Stem cuttings

• Take 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) long stem cuttings from healthy verbena plants in late spring or early summer.
• Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only the top 2-4 leaves.
• Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone powder to encourage faster root development.
• Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, burying about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of the stem.
• Water the cutting and cover the pot with a plastic bag or dome to maintain humidity.
• Place the pot in a bright, indirectly lit area and keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Roots should start to develop within 2-4 weeks. Once the cutting has established a healthy root system, transplant it to a larger pot or plant it outdoors.

Division

• Divide mature verbena plants in early spring or fall when they are not actively blooming.
• Dig up the plant, taking care to keep the root system intact.
• Gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each division has a healthy root system and some stems with leaves attached.
• Replant the divisions in well-draining soil, spaced appropriately for the mature size of the plants.
• Water the transplanted divisions well and provide appropriate care to help them establish in their new location.

By using any of these propagation methods, you can create new verbena plants to expand your garden or share with friends and family.

Pests and Diseases

Verbena plants can be affected by a variety of pests and diseases. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects can be green, black, or brown and can cause damage by sucking plant sap. Control aphids by releasing beneficial insects, like ladybugs, or spraying with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Spider mites: These tiny, spider-like creatures can cause leaf discoloration and webbing. Treat spider mite infestations by increasing humidity, using a strong spray of water to dislodge them, or applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Whiteflies: These small, white, winged insects can cause leaf yellowing and curling. Control whiteflies by using yellow sticky traps, releasing beneficial insects, or applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery growth on leaves and stems. To prevent and treat powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide if necessary.

Root rot: Overwatering or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot, which causes wilted, yellow leaves and a decline in plant health. Prevent root rot by planting verbena in well-draining soil and monitoring water levels.

Botrytis blight: This fungal disease causes gray, fuzzy growth on leaves, stems, and flowers. To prevent and treat botrytis blight, maintain good air circulation, avoid overcrowding, and remove affected plant material.

To keep your verbena plants healthy and thriving, provide proper care, maintain good air circulation, and promptly address any signs of pests or diseases. Regularly inspect your plants and take appropriate action if you notice any issues.

Click here to compare all Verbena varieties

Frequently Asked Questions

Is verbena annual or perennial?

Verbena can be both annual and perennial, depending on the species. Some species, like Verbena bonariensis and Verbena rigida, are perennials that may be grown as annuals in colder climates. Other species, like Verbena x hybrida, are commonly grown as annuals.

Where does verbena grow best?

Verbena grows best in well-draining soil with full sun or partial shade. It prefers a location with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Verbena is generally drought-tolerant, so it’s an excellent choice for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.

What is verbena good for?

Verbena is valued for its long-lasting, vibrant blooms and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. In addition, some species of verbena have been used for medicinal purposes, including treating digestive issues, anxiety, and sleep disorders. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before using verbena medicinally.

Does verbena come back every year?

Perennial verbena species will come back every year, while annual species complete their life cycle in a single growing season and will need to be replanted each year. In some cases, annual verbena may self-seed and create new plants the following year, giving the appearance of coming back. It’s important to know which type of verbena you have to provide the appropriate care and understand its growth habit.