How to Grow Verbena Plants

Guide to Growing Vervain, Verbena, and Purpletop

The Verbena genus is large, contains both annuals and perennials, and has a range in height from 10 cm through to 1.4 m (4 inches to 4 1/2 feet).

In genral, they have dark green toothed leaves, and bloom from summer until the first frost of winter.

When in bloom, Verbena carry clusters of tiny flat fragrant flowers that attract butterflies and bees to the garden.

Check out the specific how to grow Verbena bonariensis (Purpletop Vervain) guide.

Photographs of Verbena rigida - Veined Verbena (above) and Moujean tea (below)

Moujean Tea

One of the commonest names of garden grown Verbena is Vervain, other commonly grown species include veined Verbena, Purpletop, and Moujean tea.

Verbani
Verbani Lanai Lavender by Gailf548; Creative Commons.

Abronia latifolia
Abronia latifolia - Yellow Sand Verbena by Franco Folini; Creative Commons.

Verbena Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Vervain, Verbena, Purpletop.
Life Cycle: Hardy annual. Half hardy perennial, hardy perennial.
Height: 4 to 47 inches (120 cm).
Native: Northern America, Europe.
Growing Region: Annuals: zones 1 to 10. Perennial: zones 3 to 10.
Flowers: Late spring until first frost.
Flower Details: Blue, violet, white, purple, rose, pink. Small. Five petals. Clusters. Spikes. Fragrant.
Foliage: Simple. Opposite. Hairy. Ovate. Lanceolate. Sometimes lobed; toothed.

Sow Outside: Cover stratified seed. Following last frost. Spacing 6 to 40 inches (15 to 100 cm).
Sow Inside: Mix seeds in a growing medium, place in a freezer bag, keep moist, then stratify by refrigeration for two weeks. Germination time: two weeks to three months. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Nine or ten weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors a few weeks after the the last frost; minimum temperature should not drop below 50°F (10°C).
Requirements: Full sunlight or light shade. Good drainage. Soil pH 6 to 7. Rich soil. Can survive in dry soils. Feed in spring. Regular watering. Pinch tips. Deadhead. Perennials should be brought indoors over winter in cold areas. Propagate: cuttings in the spring.

How to Grow Verbena in the Garden

If growing Verbena outdoors from seeds, then sow out following the last frost of spring, then lightly cover the seed.

Due to the large variety in Verbena size, the spacing is species dependent. In general, plant small Verbana about 20 cm (8 inches) apart, medium at 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 inches), and larger plants at 60 cm (24 inches) to a metre apart.

Ideally Verbena plants should be grown in a fertile soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6 to 7).

They prefer to grow in sunny part of the garden, but can tolerate partial shade if needed.

If growing Verbena indoors first, then sow about two months before the last frost. The Verbena seeds should first be sown into a pot; next cover with a plastic bag; put in the fridge for two weeks.

Allow to germinate in the dark at a temperature of 18 to 24 degrees centigrade (64 to 75°F). Seeds should take from two weeks to three months to germinate.

Transplant the young Verbena plants outdoors a few weeks after the last frost of spring.

Caring for Verbena

It is pretty easy to care for Verbena plants. Remove the tips of young Verbena to encourage branching. They like dry soil but water them during prolonged dry spells. Give them a couple of feeds in the spring. Deadhead flowers to prolong the flowering period.

If you require more plants, then propagate Verbena by taking cuttings. This can be done in either spring or at the start of autumn.

Common Questions

How many members does the Verbena genus have?

The Verbena genus contains around 250 species of annual and perennial plants.

Do members of Verbena make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Verbena species are popular in gardens for their prolonged flowering season and attractive clusters of flowers.

Which Verbena species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Verbena bonariensis, also known as purpletop vervain, is a favorite among gardeners for its tall, slender stems and vibrant purple flowers.

Are members of the Verbena plant genus fragrant?

Some Verbena species have a mild, sweet fragrance, especially Verbena bonariensis.

What is the perfect location to grow Verbena?

Verbena prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant and ideal for hot, dry areas.

Is Verbena invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Currently, Verbena is not listed as invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Verbena plants from my garden?

To remove Verbena, dig up the entire plant, ensuring to remove the root system to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Verbena genus includes annual and perennial plants native to both the Old and New World. They are loved for their clusters of small, brightly colored flowers that bloom from spring to autumn, attracting butterflies and other pollinators.

Plant Verbena seeds directly into the ground in spring, after the threat of frost has passed. They prefer a sunny location and well-drained soil. Regular watering, deadheading, and feeding with a balanced fertilizer will keep them blooming throughout the season.

I hope that you found this guide on how to grow Verbena plants in your garden. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Lantana and Verbena bonariensis.