How to Grow Verbena

Verbena

Verbena spp.

flower

Verbena is a vibrant flowering plant known for its clusters of small, colorful flowers that bloom prolifically throughout the growing season. It comes in annual and perennial varieties, offering a wide range of colors from purple and pink to red, white, and blue. Verbena is prized for its low maintenance, drought tolerance, and ability to attract pollinators.

Looking for a specific variety?

Homestead Purple Sissinghurst Temari Superbena Plum Purple Peaches and Cream Lanai Blush

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade in hot climates

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Water: Moderate water needs; drought tolerant once established. Water at soil level when top inch is dry. Avoid overwatering, especially in humid conditions, to prevent mildew and root rot.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches

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Days to maturity: 60-90 days from seed to first flowers

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Planting depth: Surface sow or barely cover seeds (they need light to germinate); transplants planted at same depth as nursery containers

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss Perlite for drainage Aged manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Annual verbena thrives in zones 3-11; perennial varieties vary but generally zones 5-9

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with first true leaves appearing; very delicate and prone to damping off

Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging; provide bright light and good air circulation; thin seedlings if overcrowded

Vegetative

4-6 weeks

Plant develops bushy foliage with multiple stems; leaves are typically lanceolate to ovate and slightly textured

Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth; maintain moderate watering; begin fertilizing bi-weekly with diluted balanced fertilizer

Budding & Early Flowering

2-3 weeks

Flower buds form in dense clusters at stem tips; first blooms appear

Continue pinching if you want fuller plants, though flowering will be delayed; increase fertilizer slightly if using bloom-boosting formula; ensure consistent moisture

Full Flowering

8-12 weeks (or until frost for annuals)

Plant covered with vibrant flower clusters; blooms densely packed and colorful

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote more flowers; water deeply but infrequently; watch for mildew in humid conditions

Seed Development & Decline

Variable, extends through fall

If not deadheaded, flowers fade and develop seed capsules; plant growth slows

Allow some flowers to set seed if you want self-seeding or to collect seed; stop fertilizing; reduce watering gradually; prepare for end of season (annuals) or dormancy (perennials)

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Salvia Coreopsis Echinacea Zinnias Marigolds Lavender Catmint Rudbeckia Ornamental grasses

Avoid planting near:

Plants preferring consistently moist soil Heavily shaded areas with competing deep-rooted plants

Common Pests

Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or neem oil; remove affected leaves; choose mildew-resistant varieties
Spray with strong water stream; increase humidity; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure adequate moisture in soil
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; remove heavily infested plant parts
Remove affected leaves; reduce nitrogen fertilizer; encourage natural predators; apply neem oil if severe
and
Hand-pick early morning or evening; use beer traps; apply diatomaceous earth; encourage predatory beetles

Uses

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Herbal tea & infusions

Culinary

Verbena leaves (especially lemon verbena varieties) make aromatic, soothing herbal teas with a light citrus flavor. The leaves can be dried for year-round use in tea blends. [source]

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Traditional herbal remedy

Medicinal

Verbena has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to support digestive health and reduce stress. It contains compounds that may have mild sedative and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]

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Garden ornament & pollinator support

Household

Verbena's prolific, colorful blooms provide continuous summer color in gardens, borders, and containers. It is highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it valuable for pollinator support. [source]

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Cut flowers & floral arrangements

Craft

Verbena's delicate flower clusters are beautiful in fresh or dried flower arrangements, adding texture and color to bouquets and designs. [source]

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Nectar source for pollinators

Wildlife

Verbena's abundant nectar and pollen-rich flowers provide essential food for butterflies, moths, and native bees throughout the blooming season. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Verbena is primarily ornamental and not harvested for crops. For seed collection: allow flowers to dry on plant, then cut seed heads and dry indoors in paper bags. For cutting flowers: harvest in early morning when stems are turgid; cut just above a leaf node to encourage branching. Flowers last about 5-7 days in a vase with fresh water.

Fun Facts

🌱 Verbena was sacred to ancient Romans and Greeks, who used it in religious ceremonies and believed it had protective and purifying powers.
🌱 Some verbena varieties, like lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora), have fragrant foliage that releases a pleasant scent when brushed or touched—making them popular for sensory gardens.
🌱 Verbena can self-seed readily, returning year after year in garden beds and serving as a reliable perennial or annual volunteer depending on your climate zone.

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