What is Special about Verbena?

Verbena is special for several reasons that make it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers:

Long Blooming Season: The plants are known for their extended blooming period, providing vibrant color in the garden from late spring through late summer and sometimes even into fall with proper care.

Attracts Pollinators: The nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making them an excellent addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

Versatility: With a wide range of sizes, growth habits, and colors, verbena is suitable for various garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, containers, hanging baskets, and groundcovers.

Drought Tolerance: Many species are drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.

Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Verbena plants are somewhat resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, making them a good option for gardens where these animals may be a problem.

Easy to Grow: Verbenas are generally low-maintenance plants, requiring minimal care once established, making them an attractive option for both experienced and novice gardeners.

These unique characteristics make verbena a valuable addition to many gardens, offering both beauty and practical benefits.

Main Verbena Types

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.

Garden Design with Verbena

Incorporating verbena into your garden design can add a splash of color, attract pollinators, and create a lovely, low-maintenance landscape. Here are some ideas for using it in your garden design:

Borders and edging: Plant along the borders or edges of garden beds, pathways, or driveways to create a colorful, eye-catching display. Taller varieties like Verbena bonariensis can add height and structure to the back of a border, while shorter varieties can be used in the front.

Containers and Hanging Baskets: Trailing varieties, like Verbena 'Tapien' or 'Homestead Purple', work well in containers or hanging baskets, where they can spill over the edges, creating a beautiful cascade of flowers.

Groundcovers: Low-growing species can be used as a groundcover in sunny areas of your garden, filling in spaces between stepping stones or rocks, suppressing weeds, and reducing soil erosion.

Rock gardens: Verbena plants can thrive in well-draining soil and sunny locations, making them suitable for rock gardens. Plant them among other drought-tolerant plants like succulents, sedums, or ornamental grasses.

Pollinator Gardens: Plant in a pollinator garden, where its nectar-rich flowers will attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Combine with other pollinator-friendly plants like coneflowers, milkweed, and salvia for a diverse and vibrant garden.

Mixed Plantings: Verbena pairs well with a variety of plants, such as lavender, catmint, yarrow, Russian sage, and ornamental grasses, creating a visually appealing and dynamic garden composition.

Mass Plantings: For a bold visual impact, plant a large swath in a single color or a mix of colors to create a stunning display during the blooming season.

When designing your garden, consider the specific growth habits, size, and color of the variety you choose, and place the plants accordingly to achieve the desired effect. 

Growing Tips

To successfully grow verbena plants, follow these growing tips:

Sunlight: The plants require full sun to thrive, so choose a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Soil: Plant in well-draining soil, as they do not tolerate soggy conditions. They can adapt to a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils, but prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH level (5.8 to 7.2).

Watering: 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.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and mid-summer to encourage healthy growth and flowering. You can also use a liquid or granular fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season, following the product instructions.

Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and prevent the plant from going to seed. Pinch off the faded blooms or trim the stems back to just above a set of healthy leaves.

Pruning: Trim back the plants by one-third in mid-summer to encourage bushier growth and stimulate a second round of flowering. In late winter or early spring, cut back the previous year's growth to encourage fresh growth and a compact habit.

Pests and Diseases: Monitor your plants for common pests like aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. Treat any infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plants can also be affected by powdery mildew, root rot, and botrytis blight. Ensure proper air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of these diseases.

Overwintering: Many species are tender perennials or annuals in colder climates. In regions with harsh winters, you can take cuttings in late summer or early fall and grow them indoors as houseplants or in a greenhouse until the following spring.

By following these growing tips, you can enjoy beautiful, healthy plants in your garden for many seasons.

Click here to compare all Verbena varieties

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some fun facts about verbena?

Verbena has a long history of medicinal and therapeutic uses. It has been used to treat digestive issues, respiratory problems, and anxiety. In ancient Rome, it was considered a sacred herb and was used in religious ceremonies.

What is verbena most suitable for?

Verbena is most suitable for providing long-lasting color in garden borders, rock gardens, and containers; Attracting pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds; Serving as a ground cover or filler plant to suppress weeds and control erosion.

What does the flower verbena symbolize?

Verbena flowers are often associated with healing, protection, and enchantment. In Victorian times, they were believed to symbolize the power to heal both emotional and physical wounds.

What are the disadvantages of verbena?

Some verbena species can become invasive, particularly in regions with mild winters.

How fast does verbena grow?

The growth rate varies depending on the species and growing conditions. Generally, they are fast-growing plants that can reach their mature size within one growing season.