Verbena is a blue color herb with a million-dollar look.
This hardworking herb has been cherished in gardens, kitchens, and medicine cabinets for centuries.
The Celts, Romans, and early herbalists considered it a powerful sacred plant and used it in purification rituals and healing remedies.
Known for its delicate flowers and aromatic leaves, verbena is equally a decorative plant and a practical solution for herbal enthusiasts. Whether you’re a home gardener, a passionate herbalist, or someone who loves plants, it offers something special.
Verbena in the Garden & Landscape
Verbena can act as ground cover, trailing elegantly over rock walls or flower beds. Available in creeping and upright varieties, it produces blooms in purple, pink, white, and red shades.
This hardy plant attracts butterflies and bees, supporting the health of your garden ecosystem. It’s often featured as edging along pathways or as a centerpiece in container arrangements.
- Creeping verbena varieties form a lush carpet-like ground cover.
- Upright species make excellent additions to mixed borders or herb gardens.
- Combine verbena with vibrant annuals like petunias or marigolds for eye-catching contrasts.
Verbena in Cuisine
Lemon verbena, a species with citrus-scented leaves, can bring a zesty note to dishes and drinks. The herb pairs well with teas, cocktails, desserts, and salad dressings.
- Add fresh or dried leaves to herbal teas for a calming, citrusy flavor.
- Infuse simple syrups with lemon verbena for cocktails and mocktails.
- Finely chop the leaves to flavor cakes, sorbets, and puddings.
Lemon verbena leaves have a mild, citrusy flavor that complements teas and salads.
Verbena in Natural Healing
Verbena has earned its place in herbal medicine as a remedy for stress, insomnia, and digestion issues. Lemon verbena, in particular, is prized for its fresh-scented leaves that alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Brew it as a tea to calm an upset stomach or reduce stress.
- Use it as a tincture or compress for minor wounds and skin irritations.
- Incorporate verbena-based essential oil for calming aromatherapy sessions.
Is Verbena an Annual or Perennial?
Verbena can be treated as an annual or a perennial, depending on the species and local climate. In colder regions, many types of verbena thrive in warm weather but cannot survive freezing temperatures.
However, in mild or tropical climates, certain hardy varieties like Verbena bonariensis or perennial verbena can grow year after year.
Verbena is a fast grower and prolific bloomer and a favorite as a vibrant, low-maintenance plant. With proper care, such as deadheading and adequate sunlight, verbena can flourish all season long in Southern California, whether cultivated as an annual or perennial.
Popular Verbena Varieties
- Homestead Purple Verbena: A low-growing, spreading perennial with bright purple flowers.
- Aztec Red Verbena: A heat-tolerant annual variety with deep red blooms.
- Lemon Verbena: Also known as lemon beebrush, this species has citrus-scented leaves and white flowers.
- Verbena bonariensis: A tall, airy perennial with clusters of purple flowers atop long stems.
- Moss Verbena: A trailing annual with small, delicate flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white.
A butterfly on a cluster of verbena bonariensis flowers.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Plant seeds or transplants after the last frost in spring. Verbena prefers warm temperatures; wait until the days are consistently mild.
Light
Verbena loves sunlight! Provide at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant blooms. Partial shade may work, but full sun ensures the healthiest growth.
Soil
The soil should be well-draining and slightly sandy. Verbena tolerates poor soil conditions but does best when pH ranges between 5.5 and 7.5.
Temperature
Verbena favors moderate climates, generally between 60°F and 85°F. It struggles in the cold, so protect it with coverings or bring potted plants indoors during freezing seasons.
A blanket of purple verbena covers a hillside.
Propagating Verbena
Propagation can be accomplished through seeds, cuttings, or dividing mature plants.
Propagation by Seeds
- Harvest seeds from dried flowers at the end of their growing season.
- Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost or directly in the garden when the soil warms.
Propagation by Cuttings
- Take a 3–4 inch semi-hardwood cutting from a healthy plant.
- Remove lower leaves and place the cutting in water or hormone-treated soil until roots develop.
Division
- Dig out mature verbena plants and split them into smaller clusters.
- Replant each division in a different section of your garden.
Closeup of pink verbena flowers.
Steps for Planting Verbena
- Prepare your garden bed or pots with well-draining soil.
- Space plants 6–12 inches apart for compact varieties or up to 18 inches for sprawling ones.
- Plant seeds just under the surface or transplants at the root level.
- Water lightly but consistently until the plants are established.
Verbena Care
Verbena is low-maintenance — a little TLC goes a long way.
Water
- Water deeply but infrequently.
- Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
- Potted verbena may require more frequent watering in warmer weather.
Bright red verbena inflorescences.
Fertilizer
- Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, once a month.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to lush foliage but fewer flowers.
Pests & Diseases
- Verbena may attract aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Use insecticidal soap to control infestations.
- Powdery mildew can be a problem in humid conditions. Water at the base of plants and avoid overhead watering to prevent this fungal disease.
Pruning & Deadheading
- Cut back leggy stems by about a third to encourage bushier growth.
- Remove spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering.
Harvesting Verbena
- Harvest verbena leaves and flowers throughout the growing season for cooking or drying.
- Snip leaves with clean scissors early in the morning for the best flavor and essential oil content.
- Dried verbena can last for months when stored in an airtight container.
Purple moss verbena is a low-maintenance plant to grow in your butterfly garden.
FAQs: Growing Verbena
Q: Can verbena grow in pots?
Verbena thrives in pots. Just ensure the container has good drainage and place it in a sunny spot.
Q: How long does verbena bloom?
Verbena blooms continuously from late spring to the first frost with proper care.
Q: Is verbena deer-resistant?
Most verbena varieties are deer-resistant, making them a good choice for rural gardens.
Q: Can I grow verbena indoors?
While it prefers outdoor conditions, verbena can grow indoors on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights.
Q: Is verbena a perennial or annual?
This depends on your region. Verbena is usually perennial in tropical climates and annual in colder zones.
Q: How do I revive a wilted plant?
Check for overwatering or under-watering. Adjust accordingly, and consider applying a fungicide if root rot is present.
Q: Can verbena spread aggressively?
Some varieties, like creeping verbena, can spread quickly, so monitor their growth in small gardens.
Q: Does verbena attract pollinators?
Absolutely! Verbena is a magnet for butterflies and bees.