Verbena Fast Facts: Types, Culture, and Pest Management

Overview

Verbenas are low-growing annual or perennial flowering plants that bloom from spring through summer. Both types are easy to care for and relatively pest- and disease-resistant.

Types of Verbenas

Three main garden types are sold:

• Verbena hortensis – annual, sown in spring
• Verbena × hybrida – short-lived perennial, fades in summer heat
• Verbena × tenera – long-lived perennial, semi-evergreen in warm climates, heat-tolerant

Flower colors include white, peach, pink, red, and purple.

Perennial Varieties

• Homestead Purple – heat-tolerant, long bloom period
• Aztec series – long-lived, summer-long blooms
• Blue Princess (Biloxi Blue) – short-lived, lavender-blue flowers
• Old favorites: white 'Snowflurry', magenta 'Fiesta', red 'Summer Blaze'

Landscape Uses

Use as groundcovers, underplantings for roses or shrubs, in hanging baskets, window boxes, or wildflower gardens to attract butterflies.

Culture

Plant in well-drained soil with full sun (8+ hours daily). Lightly prune after flowering to encourage a second flush. Prune dead stems in spring. Fertilize lightly in spring and after pruning.

Pests and Diseases

• Leafhoppers, leaf miners, thrips – apply approved pesticide per label
• Spider mites – spray miticide for verbenas at recommended rate
• Powdery mildew – caused by overwatering or excessive rain; treat with fungicidal spray for verbenas