How to Grow Tall Verbena
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Tall Verbena
Verbena bonariensis
flowerTall verbena is a tender perennial flowering plant native to South America, known for its slender, branching stems and clusters of small purple-violet flowers. It typically grows 3-5 feet tall and is prized by gardeners for its airy, delicate appearance and ability to add vertical interest to borders and cottage gardens. The flowers bloom continuously from summer through fall, attracting butterflies and other pollinators.
When should you plant Tall Verbena in your zone?
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Example Tall Verbena timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Tall Verbena
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Tall Verbena blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tall Verbena dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 7-11; grown as an annual in zones 6-7
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings with true leaves emerging; very delicate and slow-growing initially
Keep soil lightly moist, provide warm temperatures (70-75°F), and ensure bright light. Avoid overwatering which causes damping off. Seedlings are slow to develop; be patient.
Vegetative
4-6 weeksPlants develop multiple stems and lance-shaped leaves; growth accelerates as temperatures warm
Thin seedlings to appropriate spacing, gradually harden off transplants, and begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer. Pinch growing tips early to encourage bushier growth.
Flowering Onset
2-3 weeksFirst flower buds appear at stem tips; plants reach 1-2 feet tall with visible branching
Ensure full sun exposure, maintain consistent watering, and switch to a higher-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage blooming. Support tall stems if needed.
Flowering
12-16 weeksAbundant small purple-violet flowers in dense, elongated clusters; plants may reach full 3-5 feet height
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming, provide consistent moisture, and feed every 2-3 weeks with diluted bloom fertilizer. Stake tall varieties for support.
Senescence/Hardening Off
4-8 weeksFlowering slows in late fall; foliage remains green in mild climates but declines in cold areas
In zones 6-7, treat as annual and remove plants after first frost. In zones 8+, reduce watering and fertilizer; plants may regrow from base in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity; remove heavily infested leaves
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Improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide; remove infected leaves
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, encourage natural predators
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Remove affected leaves, avoid overhead watering, improve air circulation, apply fungicide if severe
Uses
Herbal Tea
CulinaryVerbena bonariensis flowers and leaves can be dried and steeped into a mild, slightly sweet tea. Traditionally used in South American herbal beverages. [source]
Digestive & Relaxation Support
MedicinalVerbena has been used in traditional medicine to support digestion and promote relaxation. Some herbalists value it for its mild calming properties. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftThe tall, airy stems and delicate purple flowers are excellent for fresh and dried arrangements, adding height and texture to bouquets and garden designs. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeVerbena bonariensis is highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and hoverflies, making it a valuable nectar source for pollinators throughout the growing season. [source]
Garden Structure & Design
HouseholdIts tall, airy growth habit makes it ideal for creating vertical interest, screening views, and adding a cottage garden aesthetic to landscapes without creating a dense barrier. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Tall verbena is grown for flowers rather than harvest. Cut fresh flowers for arrangements in the morning when stems are turgid. Deadhead spent blooms throughout the season to extend flowering. For seed collection, allow some flowers to fade and dry on the plant in late summer; collect seed heads before they shatter.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Tall verbena is native to Argentina and Uruguay, where it grows in disturbed grasslands and is called 'verbena bonariense' in Spanish.
- 🌱 The genus Verbena includes over 250 species, and tall verbena is one of the most popular ornamental types for its superior height and continuous blooming.
- 🌱 Verbena bonariensis self-seeds readily in warm climates, allowing it to naturalize in gardens and create spontaneous drifts of purple flowers year after year.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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