Verbena: Ultimate Growth and Care Guide
Discover the Vibrant Beauty of Verbena! This versatile plant, known for its vibrant flowers and adaptability, can transform gardens and containers with its stunning colors.
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Introduction to Verbena
Verbena encompasses over 250 species of flowering plants in the Verbenaceae family. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, Verbena is celebrated for its long-lasting blooms, which range from deep purples to soft pastels. From trailing Verbena hybrid varieties perfect for hanging baskets to upright cultivars like Verbena bonariensis, this plant brings charm and resilience to any garden.
One of the most popular Verbena, lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is a fragrant herb native to South America, cherished for its delightful lemon-scented leaves. However, as it is not part of the Verbenaceae family, it is not discussed herein. Another extremely popular species of Verbena is Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata), a perennial herb native to North America. Blue vervain has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The leaves and flowering tops of blue vervain are commonly used to make herbal teas and tinctures. However, Verbena hastata is not commonly found in local garden centers and is thus excluded from this section on Verbena. In sum, this discussion is limited to commercially available Verbena such as the trailing hybrids and the upright bonariensis variety.
My first experience with Verbena was planting Verbena Homestead Purple, a well known trailing verbena found on a homestead/farm in Georgia. Everywhere it touched the naked earth, it rooted, providing a rolling carpet of purple blooms that spread from season to season. Its ease of care and drought tolerance quickly made it one of my favorites.
Characteristics of Verbena
Verbena thrives in diverse settings, including garden beds, borders, rock gardens, and hanging baskets. It’s both drought-tolerant and easy to grow, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned gardeners. Its clusters of small, vivid flowers bloom profusely throughout the growing season, attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Size and Growth Habit
Verbena’s size and growth habit vary widely depending on the species, making it a versatile choice for different gardening styles. Trailing varieties, such as Verbena rigida, typically grow to about 6 inches tall, spreading across garden beds or cascading over container edges. On the other hand, taller species like Verbena bonariensis can reach impressive heights of 4–6 feet, adding vertical interest to mixed borders or pollinator gardens. Verbena’s growth habit ranges from compact mounds to sprawling, trailing forms, allowing it to fit seamlessly into various landscape designs, from ground covers to statement plants in garden beds.
Leaves and Flowers
Verbena’s leaves are typically lance-shaped with serrated edges, offering a medium green hue that provides a neutral yet complementary backdrop for its vibrant flowers. The foliage is slightly rough to the touch, adding texture to the plant's overall appearance. Verbena’s tiny, tubular blooms are arranged in dense, rounded clusters, creating an eye-catching display throughout the growing season. The flowers come in a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, red, white, and blue, adding dynamic color to gardens and containers. Blooming from late spring until fall, Verbena ensures months of consistent color, making it a reliable choice for long-lasting displays.
Is Verbena Annual or Perennial?
Verbena can be an annual or perennial, depending on the species and climate. In USDA Zones 7–11, many varieties are perennial and will return year after year with proper care. In cooler regions, Verbena is typically grown as an annual, providing vibrant blooms throughout the growing season before succumbing to frost. Alternatively, in colder climates, it can be overwintered indoors, either as a potted plant or by taking cuttings to propagate new growth for the following spring. This adaptability makes Verbena a versatile plant that can be enjoyed in a wide range of settings and climates.
Best Varieties of Verbena Tested
Here are some standout varieties of Verbena for your garden:
Best Variety #1: Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena)
Verbena bonariensis, a native of Buenos Aires, South America, is the most popular variety of Verbena among gardeners and therefore deserves its #1 ranking. The commonly found unpatented Lollipop Verbena, a cottage garden must have, grows upright from 2-3 feet and provides airy lavender-purple blooms and slender stalks which is ideal for pollinator gardens and borders. In the last few years, several other varieties of Tall Verbena have come on the market including the All America Selection (AAS) winner, Vanity, which also received 5.0 trial test ratings. These verbena are hardy in zones 7-11, making them a perennial for a majority of the nation’s gardeners. Yipee! No other Verbena bonariensis varieties have achieved trial rankings in the coveted 4.8-5.0 spot yet, but there are a number of varieties out there … they just don’t deserve a rating as the best.
Best Variety #2: Purple Homestead Verbena
Purple Homestead Verbena canadensis (not patented) is the most popular of the trailing verbena for the sole reason that it has been the only widely known perennial verbena for decades. It is hardy to Zone 6 as a tender perennial, but with a good winter mulching should survive year to year. No trial data are available because it has been on the market for so long and no longer patented. It is a lovely spreading purple verbena BUT there are so many other verbena varieties that are hardy to Zone 8 and even to Zone 7.
Best Variety #3: Superbena Verbena
This Proven Winners variety has a full offering of colors with many of the varieties achieving the 4.8-5.0 rating include Superbena Coral Red, Imperial Blue, Peachy Keen, Pink Cashmere, Pink Shades, Raspberry, Red, Royal Plum Wine, Sparkling Amethys, Sparkling Rose, Violet Ice & Whiteout. It also boasts it is hardy to Zone 8, consequently making it a perennial with excellent ranking. When it comes to popularity, it is beaten out by one variety of annual verbena in terms of popularity but since it is a perennial in Zone 8, it gets the higher ranking in our book!
Best Variety #4: Endurascape Verbena
Endurascape Verbena is up and coming in popularity as it is a perennial Verbena offered by Ball Seed. It is a tender perennial in Zone 7, and a perennial in Zones 8-11. There are several varieties that have earned the coveted 4.8-5.0 rating including Blue, Burgundy, Pink Bi-Color, Purple and Purple Fizz but there are far more colors available. Not also that Pink Bi-Color Verbena has also won a coveted AAS designation … you go Pink Bi-Color!
Best Variety #5: Lanai Verbena
Although the Lanai series of Verbena by Syngenta Flowers is more popular that the preceding perennial verbenas (Superbena and Endurascape), it is only an annual verbena and so we have ranked it at #5. There are more than 37 varieties, many with trial ratings above 4.8. These include Candy Cane, Green Apple, Lilac, Magenta, Peach, Royal Purple w/eye (Gorgeous), Scarlet, Strawberry, Twister Hot Lips, Twister Star Purple and White. However, since Lanai has been around for decades, not all varieties have been trial tested so buy other varieties with confidence. Note that the Lanai Series is perennial in Zones 9-11, which is almost ⅓ of our nation’s population.
Best Variety #6: Empress Verbena
This annual series of Verbena by Dummen Orange may not be the most searched verbena, but it sure has impressive trial ratings, with 4.8-5.0 ratings on many of its varieties including Empress Flair Burgundy, Empress Flair White, Empress Flair Pink, Empress Sun Lavender Charmed, Empress Sun Burgundy Charmed, Empress Sun Kiss Pink, Empress Sun Kiss Red, Empress Sun Pink and Empress Sun White. Again, the Empress series would be perennial in Zones 9-11.
Best Variety #7: Estrella Verbena
The Estrella Series of Verbena by Westoff, like Empress, provides an exceptional line of Verbena with high test trial results. Particularly, Estrella Blueberry, Estrella Dark Orange, Estrella Hot Pink, Estrella Imperial Blue, Estrella Lobsterfest (love this), Estrella Magenta, Estrella Merlot Imp, Estrella Red and Estrella White Imp achieve a 4.8-5.0 ranking as an annual verbena. The Estrella Series would be perennial in Zones 9-11.
Honorable Mention #8: Other Highly Rated Verbena
When it comes to Verbena, there are so many varieties that not all can be mentioned and, furthermore, not all can be found in local garden centers. But, we would be remiss not to list two Honorable Mentions. First, the Vanessa Series by Danziger with 10 varieties, 4 which are highly rated between 4.8-5.0 … Bi-Color Indigo, Bi-Color Purple, Violet & White. Second, the Beats Series introduced in 2022 with 9 varieties and which boasts compactness and no need to pinch. Hmmm. The Beats Purple + White won an AAS in 2024 so watch for this series to grow astronomically in popularity.
How to Grow & Care for Verbena
Verbena thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring regular watering during establishment but tolerating drought once mature. To encourage continuous blooming, deadhead spent flowers and fertilize lightly during the growing season. With its resilience to heat and ability to flourish in various settings, Verbena is an excellent choice for low-maintenance, long-lasting beauty.
Planting Verbena
Plant Verbena in spring after the danger of frost has passed, ensuring it has warm conditions to thrive. Choose a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, as full sun promotes the most vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for adequate airflow, reducing the risk of disease and encouraging healthy development. Verbena adapts well to a variety of garden settings, including borders, containers, and hanging baskets, where its vibrant flowers can shine.
Sunlight Requirements
Verbena thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of daily light to produce its signature clusters of colorful blooms. While it can tolerate partial shade, reduced sunlight often results in fewer flowers and slower growth. Planting Verbena in a bright location ensures it reaches its full potential, delivering a season-long display of vibrant color. In shadier spots, the plant may struggle to bloom consistently and may become leggy. Crowding annual verbena should be avoided as the under-foliage will start to yellow if denied sunlight, making the plant less aesthetically pleasing.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is crucial for Verbena, as it is prone to root rot in waterlogged conditions. While the plant tolerates poor soils, it performs best in nutrient-rich, loamy soil that retains moisture without becoming soggy. A soil pH of 5.5–7.0 is ideal for healthy growth and optimal nutrient absorption. If your soil is heavy or compacted, consider amending it with compost or to improve drainage and aeration.
Watering Needs
Water Verbena regularly but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering should be avoided, as excess moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal problems. During periods of extreme heat or drought, you may need to water more frequently to keep the plant healthy. Consistent but moderate watering helps maintain lush foliage and prolific flowering throughout the growing season.
Tall Verbena will sink deeper roots and consequently will require less water and will better tolerate drought situations. Annual and perennial trailing verbena will root where exposed soil is found so they may require more frequent watering. For trailing verbena, drought may result in loss of blooms and the perennial trailing verbena may see browning to the tips of foliage as a result of dry conditions.
Fertilizer Needs
Consider planting with, or for perennials annually introduce, a slow release fertilizer. Feed Annual Verbena with a balanced liquid fertilizer or a high phosphorus blossom booster once a month during the growing season to promote vigorous growth and continuous blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing or using high-nitrogen formulas, as these can encourage leggy growth at the expense of flowers. A well-fed Verbena will reward you with vibrant, long-lasting blooms and healthy foliage.
Pruning & Deadheading
For Verbena bonariensis varieties, one or two pinches as the plant begins its growth will encourage a fuller and more bushy plant. Deadheading of the upright Verbena is not necessary.
For trailing Verbena, deadheading of spent flowers is essential to keep Verbena blooming throughout the summer and into fall. Removing faded blooms redirects energy toward producing new flowers. Additionally, pinching back one leg every 1-3 weeks will help prevent trailing Verbena from becoming too leggy. Or, in midsummer, cutting trailing Verbena back by one-third rejuvenates its growth, encourages bushier foliage, and extends the flowering season. Light pruning always helps maintain a tidy and attractive appearance.
Overwintering
In USDA Zones 7–11, many Verbena varieties can survive outdoors through winter with minimal care. In colder climates, dig up perennial Verbena and transfer it to pots to overwinter indoors. Store the plants in a cool, bright location and water sparingly during the dormant period to prevent the roots from drying out. In spring, reintroduce the plants to outdoor conditions gradually, ensuring they acclimate to temperature changes.
Common Pests
Verbena's main pest is thrip. These nuisances cause discoloration of the foliage, resulting in white or gray blotches to the leaves that are aesthetically unattractive. Spinosad, an organic pesticide, is the best application to address thrip. Mites and aphids may also visit from time to time. For aphids, use insecticidal soap for immediate control and neem oil for long-term prevention. Aphid populations can increase rapidly, so reapply neem in combination with insecticidal soap within 7 days to disrupt their lifecycle. For mites, apply neem oil to affected areas, ensuring thorough coverage under the leaves. Repeat treatment if infestations persist.
Common Diseases
Most Verbena have disease resistance to powdery mildew but root rot is a concern, often caused by poorly drained soil or overwatering. To avoid these problems, plant Verbena in well-drained soil and water only when necessary, keeping the foliage dry during irrigation.
Common Mistakes
Planting Verbena in shady areas often results in reduced flower production and less vigorous growth. Overwatering is another frequent mistake, leading to root rot and fungal issues that can harm the plant. Neglecting to deadhead spent flowers reduces blooming potential, leaving the plant less vibrant and productive. Addressing these common pitfalls helps ensure a thriving, long-lasting display.
Common Misconceptions
The biggest misconception with Verbena is a failure for many gardeners to realize that many trailing species are perennial. While the Homestead Purple variety is known to be perennial through Zone 7, both the Superbena and Endurascape varieties also have hardiness through Zone 8 and may be hardy in Zone 7 with a thick mulch application. Note also Doug’s Pink, Homestead Hot Pink and Homestead Red are considered Zone 7 hardy perennial verbena, with Zone 6 hardiness listed for several.
Using Verbena in the Garden
Verbena is a versatile and vibrant addition to any garden, known for its clusters of colorful blooms that attract butterflies and pollinators. Tall Verbena is perfect for borders and for use in cottage gardens, whereas trailing Verbena is great for containers or as ground cover. Verbena thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil. With minimal care, Verbena provides a long-lasting display of flowers from spring through fall.
Pollinator Gardens
Verbena’s vibrant, nectar-rich blooms make it a top choice for pollinator gardens, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the growing season. Its tubular flowers, available in a range of colors, are particularly appealing to long-tongued pollinators like hummingbirds and certain butterfly species. Planting Verbena alongside other pollinator-friendly species, such as lavender, salvia, and milkweed, creates a thriving ecosystem that supports biodiversity. Its long blooming period, from late spring to fall, ensures a consistent food source for pollinators. Adding Verbena to your garden not only enhances its visual appeal but also contributes to the health of local pollinator populations.
Ground Cover
Low-growing Verbena perennial varieties like Homestead Purple are excellent choices for ground cover, providing vibrant color and dense foliage that effectively suppresses weeds. These varieties spread rapidly, filling gaps in garden beds, along pathways, or on slopes where erosion control is needed. Their ability to tolerate heat and poor soil conditions makes them a practical option for sunny, challenging areas. The continuous blooms of ground cover Verbenas add a splash of color to the landscape, enhancing the aesthetic appeal while serving a functional purpose. Combining them with taller perennials creates depth and texture in garden designs.
Container Displays
Trailing Verbena varieties are a show-stopping addition to hanging baskets and container gardens, where their cascading stems spill gracefully over the edges. These varieties pair beautifully with upright or mounding plants in mixed arrangements, adding movement and visual interest to patios, balconies, or entryways. Their long-lasting blooms in shades of peach, pink, purple, red, white and blue provide a dynamic display that complements any outdoor setting. Verbena’s low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in containers make it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking vibrant, easy-to-care-for potted arrangements. With proper care, container-grown Verbena will bloom profusely throughout the season, adding beauty to even the smallest spaces.
Cottage Gardens and Cut Flowers
Verbena bonariensis varieties such as Lollipop and the AAS recipient Vanity are also darlings for cottage gardens and for cut flowers. Note that both are also resilient as dried flowers, retaining a soft periwinkle blue hue when dried. Verbena bonariensis are known for their longevity, making them an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements. With its tall, airy stems and clusters of small purple flowers, it adds a delicate and elegant touch to bouquets.
Verbena Blooms All Season
Looking to grow Verbena in your garden? Here at Garden Delivery, we offer exceptional Verbena plants, grown from top-performing genetics and sourced from the most reliable growers in the industry. Verbena is loved for its long-lasting blooms, heat and drought tolerance, and ability to trail beautifully in containers or spread across garden beds. It's also a magnet for pollinators, making it both a practical and beautiful choice. We provide detailed plant information and performance rankings so you can select with confidence. Add Verbena to your garden today and enjoy non-stop color with minimal effort all season long!