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Verbena (ver-bee-nuh) Vervain, Verbenaceae Faimly. Verbena is a large genus of annuals and perennials, almost all native the US. Attractive, rounded clusters of small, tubular flowers in a large color range from white through every shade of red and blue make the hardy species excellent garden plants. These plants are often fragrant and are in bloom all summer. Fine for the border, the rock garden, as edgings, ground covers and cutting. The spreading habit of most Verbena species, with the accompanying stem rooting, gives a solid mat-like growth that makes a strong accent. Full sun and rich garden soil will produce lots of Verbena flowers.

Verbena

Verbena Homestead Purple (3.5 inch pot)

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Verbena

Verbena Homestead Purple (3.5 inch pot)

Verbena canadensis 'Homestead Purple' (3.5-inch pot)Common names: Homestead Purple Verbena Height: 12-18 Inches Spread: 24-36 Inches Hardiness Zone: 6 - 10 Full Sun Purple blooms from May thru October Fast covering Drought tolerant Deer-resistant and...

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What are the characteristics of Verbena?

Verbena is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants belonging to the Verbenaceae family. There are approximately 87 different verbena species around the world, and many hybrid cultivars result from crossing these species. These plants can be either annuals or perennials and can be herbaceous plants or woody shrubs. They range in size from around 30 cm to up to 2 meters tall.

Here are some of the key characteristics of verbena:

Leaves: Their stems are always square and the simple, serrated leaves grow alternately on them. The common vervain (Verbena officinalis) can be identified by this leaf arrangement.
Flowers: Verbena flowers grow in dense spires or branched clusters. They have five petals that are normally joined at the base and come in a variety of colors, including shades of blue, white, pink, and purple. Most verbena species bloom from summer to autumn, but their flowering periods can vary in length .
Growing conditions: Verbenas are drought-resistant, tolerating full to partial sun, and enjoy well-drained, average soils. They are valued in butterfly gardening in suitable climates, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.

How do I plant Verbena?

There are two main ways to plant verbena: from seeds or with transplants (young plants from a nursery). Here's a breakdown for each:

Planting from Seeds:

Timing: Ideally, start seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date in your area [1].
Materials: You'll need seed trays or small pots, seed starting mix, and a sunny windowsill.
Steps:
- Fill your trays or pots with the seed starting mix and moisten it.
- Scatter the tiny verbena seeds on the surface and gently press them into the soil. Don't bury them deeply – they need light to germinate.
- Keep the soil moist with a spray bottle and place the trays or pots in a warm location (around 70°F) with good sunlight using a grow light if needed.
- Seedlings should emerge in a couple of weeks. Once they have a few sets of leaves, you can transplant them into larger pots or directly outdoors if there's no danger of frost.

Planting from Transplants:

Timing: Wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area, typically in spring. The soil temperature should be at least 60°F (15°C) [2].
Choosing transplants: Select healthy-looking plants from your local nursery.
Planting:
- Pick a sunny location in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Verbena can tolerate some shade in hot climates.
- Ensure the soil is well-draining. Amend heavy clay soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
- Dig holes slightly larger than the root balls of your transplants. Space the plants 12-18 inches apart depending on the variety.
- Gently remove the transplants from their pots and loosen any root-bound roots.
- Place the plants in the holes, ensuring the soil level around the stem remains the same as it was in the pot.
- Backfill the holes with soil and water thoroughly.

Here are some additional tips for planting verbena successfully:

Watering: Water regularly, especially during hot weather, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and potentially again in mid-summer to encourage blooming. Alternatively, you can use a water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers (deadheading) to promote continuous blooming throughout the season.

By following these steps, you should be well on your way to enjoying beautiful verbena flowers in your garden or containers.

What are varieties of Verbena?

There are many beautiful varieties of verbena, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Trailing Verbena (Verbena hybrida): This is the most common type of verbena grown in gardens. It's a low-growing, spreading plant with cascading stems that are covered in clusters of small flowers. Trailing verbena is a popular choice for hanging baskets, window boxes, and borders. It comes in a wide variety of colors including red, pink, purple, white, and lavender.
Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora): This variety is not technically a true verbena, but it's often classified as one because of its similar appearance. Lemon verbena is a woody shrub with fragrant lemon-scented leaves. The leaves can be used to make tea, flavor desserts, or add a refreshing scent to potpourri.
Verbena Bonariensis: This tall-growing verbena variety has slender stems that are topped with clusters of lavender-violet flowers. It's a great choice for adding height and vertica interest to the back of a flower border. Verbena bonariensis is also very drought-tolerant and heat-resistant.
Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata): This upright, perennial verbena variety has spikes of lavender-blue flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. It's a good choice for a butterfly garden, as it attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Sandpaper Verbena (Glandularia rigida): This low-growing verbena variety has rough, sandpaper-like leaves and clusters of bright purple flowers. It's a tough and versatile plant that's well-suited for hot, dry climates.

How Do I Care For a Verbena?

Here's how to care for your verbena and keep it thriving:

Sunlight and Location:

Verbena loves sunshine! Aim for at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily [1]. In very hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial.

Watering:

Verbena is fairly drought-tolerant once established, but it still needs regular watering. The key is to avoid extremes. Water your verbena deeply when the soil feels dry to the touch, but allow it to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid soaking the soil or letting it stay constantly wet, as this can lead to root rot.

Soil:

Verbena prefers well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.

Fertilizer:

To encourage continuous blooming, fertilize your verbena with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring. You can also use a water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, but be sure to follow the application instructions carefully.

Deadheading and Pruning:

Regularly remove spent flowers (deadheading) throughout the season. This will not only make your verbena look tidier, but it will also encourage it to produce even more blooms. In late summer, if blooming slows down, you can prune the plant back by about a third to promote new growth and another flush of flowers.

Winter Care:

Per perennial varieties of verbena, some light trimming in fall is okay, but avoid harsh cutting until spring when new growth appears. The specific winter care will depend on your climate and the verbena variety. In colder regions, mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.

Additional Tips:

Verbena can be susceptible to powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation around your plants by providing adequate spacing. If you notice powdery mildew, you can try using a fungicide specifically labeled for verbena.
Every few years, it's a good idea to divide your verbena plants to maintain their vigor and prevent them from becoming overcrowded.

By following these simple care tips, you can enjoy beautiful verbena flowers in your garden for many seasons to come.

Does Verbena attract pollinators?

Verbena is a great pollinator plant! Many varieties of verbena are specifically known for attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to your garden.

Here's what makes verbena attractive to pollinators:

Blooming time: Many verbena varieties bloom throughout summer and into fall, providing a valuable food source for pollinators when other flowers may be fading.
Flower shape and color: Verbena flowers typically have flat, open blooms in bright colors like purple, pink, red, and white, which are easily visible and attractive to pollinators.
Fragrance: Some verbena varieties have a pleasant fragrance that further attracts pollinators.

Here are some specific pollinator favorites:

Trailing verbena: A popular choice for attracting butterflies with its cascading clusters of small flowers.
Verbena bonariensis: This tall variety with lavender-violet flowers is a magnet for butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds.
Blue vervain: A favorite among butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds with its upright form and spikes of lavender-blue flowers.

If you'd like to create a pollinator haven in your garden, planting verbena is a great option!

Are There Any Common Pests Or Diseases That Affect Verbena?

Yes, unfortunately, even though verbena is a relatively low-maintenance plant, it can be susceptible to some common pests and diseases. Here are the two most common ones to watch out for:

Powdery mildew: This fungal disease is easily identified by the white, powdery patches that form on the leaves and stems of the plant. Powdery mildew thrives in humid conditions with poor air circulation.
Insects: While not as common as powdery mildew, some insects can also bother verbena. Aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies are potential pests that can suck the sap from your plants, weakening them.

Here's how to manage these problems:

Powdery mildew:
- Prevention is key: Ensure good air circulation by spacing your plants adequately and avoiding overcrowding. Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead watering.
- Organic methods: If you see powdery mildew developing, try using organic methods first. You can try spraying the affected areas with a mixture of baking soda and water or neem oil solution.
- Fungicides: In severe cases, you may need to use a fungicide specifically labeled for verbena and powdery mildew.
Insects:
- Encourage beneficial insects: Beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can help control aphid and other insect populations naturally. Planting companion flowers that attract these beneficial insects can be helpful.
- Insecticidal soap or neem oil: If insect infestations become severe, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray according to the product label instructions.

By keeping an eye out for these potential problems and taking preventative measures, you can help keep your verbena healthy and thriving.

Can I Use Verbena in Floral Arrangements?

Verbena can be a beautiful addition to floral arrangements! Here's why:

Variety of colors and forms: Verbena comes in a wide range of colors, including shades of blue, white, pink, and purple. You can also find varieties with trailing or upright growth habits, giving you versatility in your arrangements.
Long bloom time: Many verbenas varieties flower throughout summer and into fall, providing you with long-lasting blooms for your arrangements.
Fragrance: Certain types of verbenas, like lemon verbena, have a pleasant scent that can add another dimension to your floral creations.

Here are some things to consider when using verbena in floral arrangements:

Freshness: For the best results, use fresh verbena that is free of pests and diseases. Choose stems with unopened or just-opened flowers for the longest vase life.
Stem strength: While some verbena varieties have sturdy stems, others may be more delicate. Consider using floral tape or chicken wire for added support if needed.
Water source: Verbena benefits from having a fresh water source in your arrangement. Use a clean vase and fill it with cool water. Add a floral preservative according to the package instructions to help extend the life of your flowers.

Here are some tips for using different verbena varieties in arrangements:

Trailing verbena: These are perfect for adding a cascading element to your arrangement. They can be used to soften the edges of a vase or to create a sense of movement.
Upright verbena: These varieties can be used to add height and structure to your arrangement. They also work well in mass plantings for a bold statement.
Lemon verbena: The fragrant leaves of lemon verbena can be used as a filler or accent in arrangements. They can also be used to add a touch of lemon scent.

With a little planning, you can use verbena to create beautiful and unique floral arrangements.

Is Verbena Invasive?

Yes, some varieties of verbena can be invasive, particularly Verbena bonariensis, also known as tall verbena. This fast-growing perennial readily reseeds and can spread aggressively in warmer climates.

Here's why Verbena bonariensis can be a concern:

Spreads quickly: It produces many seeds that can easily germinate and establish new plants, potentially taking over unwanted areas.
Outcompete native plants: Its vigorous growth can crowd out native plants, reducing biodiversity in your local ecosystem.

Here are some resources to check before planting verbena, especially Verbena bonariensis:

Search online using "[invasive plants in your area]" to see if Verbena bonariensis is listed as a problem in your region.
Contact your local Cooperative Extension Service or Master Gardener program for guidance on invasive plants.

If you'd like to plant verbena but are concerned about invasiveness, here are some alternatives:

Choose non-invasive verbena varieties: There are many cultivars and hybrids of verbena that are less likely to spread aggressively. Ask your local nursery for recommendations on non-invasive varieties suitable for your climate.
Deadhead regularly: This will prevent the plant from setting seeds and spreading.
Contain the plant: Consider planting verbena in containers to prevent it from spreading to unwanted areas.

By being aware of the potential for invasiveness and taking some precautions, you can still enjoy the beauty of verbena in your garden.

When Is The Best Time To propagate Verbena?

Late Spring: This is the generally recommended window for most gardeners. Look for new, non-flowering shoots with soft stems but some hardening at the base. This applies well to many common verbena varieties like trailing verbena.
Early Summer: You can also propagate verbena from cuttings in early summer, though success rates might be slightly lower. However, this can be a good option for taking cuttings from tender bedding varieties to overwinter them and enjoy the plants again next year.

Here are some additional factors to consider:

Climate: If you live in a warm climate with a long growing season, you might have more flexibility in your propagation timing. In colder climates, prioritize propagating in late spring to give the new plants time to establish before frost.
Variety: Some specific verbena varieties might have preferred propagation windows. Check with your local nursery or gardening resources for specific recommendations on your chosen variety.

Overall, late spring is the safest and most widely recommended time to propagate verbena for most gardeners. But don't be afraid to experiment with early summer cuttings, especially if you live in a warm climate or want to overwinter your plants.

What are the benefits of planting Verbena?

Verbena offers a range of benefits for your garden, making it a popular choice for many gardeners. Here's a breakdown of some of the key advantages:

Beauty and Color:

Vibrant blooms: Verbena comes in a wide variety of colors, including shades of blue, white, pink, and purple. The flowers typically bloom throughout summer and into fall, adding continuous bursts of color to your garden.
Different forms: You can find verbena varieties with trailing or upright growth habits, allowing you to create different design elements in your garden beds or containers.

Wildlife Support:

Pollinator magnet: Verbena attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds with its bright colors, nectar-rich flowers, and sometimes even fragrance. This can help support these vital pollinators in your local ecosystem.

Easy Care:

Low maintenance: Verbena is generally a low-maintenance plant once established. It's drought-tolerant and thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil].
Propagation options: Verbena can be easily propagated through stem cuttings, allowing you to expand your plantings or share them with friends.

Additional Advantages:

Certain varieties have fragrant leaves: Lemon verbena, for instance, has delightful lemon-scented foliage that can be used in potpourri or teas.
Some verbena varieties are perennials: This means they'll come back year after year with proper care, providing long-term value in your garden.

However, it's important to be aware of the potential for invasiveness with some verbena varieties, particularly Verbena bonariensis. Choose non-invasive cultivars or take precautions like deadheading to prevent unwanted spreading.

Overall, verbena's combination of beauty, ease of care, and ecological benefits makes it a worthwhile addition to many gardens.

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Verbena

Verbena Homestead Purple (3.5 inch pot)

Verbena

Verbena Homestead Purple (3.5 inch pot)