Verbena Plant Guide: Care, Varieties, and Uses

Overview

Verbena is a versatile ornamental prized for its star-shaped flower clusters in shades of pink, peach, red, white, and purple. Fast-growing and responsive to trimming, it excels in hanging baskets and as a bedding plant.

History

Discovered in South America by Scottish gardener James Tweedie in the early 1800s, verbena was quickly hybridized in England and became a staple of Victorian bedding schemes.

Family and Hardiness

Trailing verbena, blue vervain (Verbena hastata), rigid verbena, and moss verbena have naturalized in warmer U.S. regions. Though semi-hardy, verbena is typically grown as an annual.

Uses in the Landscape

Spreading types cascade beautifully from containers, hanging baskets, or walls. Low-growing forms contrast nicely with upright annuals like snapdragons or larkspur.

Care Requirements

Verbena needs full sun, moist well-drained soil, and good air circulation. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage rebloom, and watch for spider mites.

Popular Varieties

• Aztec Red – spreading, rich tomato-red blooms
• Summer Snow – pure white flowers
• Peaches and Cream – peachy orange and creamy white
• Quartz Purple & Quartz Silver – upright, compact (8×8 inches)