Verbena
( ver - BEE - nuh )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of perennials (some species grown as annuals), needs full sun and varying water needs. Their flowers will attract butterflies to your garden. They have showy flowers that bloom in summertime, and many species are used as groundcovers. They are best in hot weather, and are also good when grown in hanging baskets or trailing out of containers.
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Verbena Species and Varietals
Verbena growing zones vary depending on the species; for more information, read the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Verbena bipinnatifida This perennial grows well in zones 1-24 and is native to the western Great Plains south to Mexico. It reaches 8-16 inches tall and 1.5 feet wide. Leaves are finely divided and flowers are blue. This species will self-sow freely and needs little water. Variety 'Valley Lavender' reaches 3-6 inches tall and blooms over a long flowering period in bright lavender. |
Verbena bonariensis This perennial grows well in zones 8-24 and is grown as an annual in cooler climates. They are native to South America and has naturalized itself in California. It reaches 3-6 feet tall and 1.5-3 feet wide, and has a branching, airy habit. Flowers are purple, it will self sow freely, and it needs little water. Useful as a foreground or background plant due to its airy quality. |
Verbena gooddingii This species is a short-lived perennial and grows in zones 7-24. It is native to the desert areas of the Southwestern United States and reaches 1.5-2 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. Flowers are pink-lavender and the plant can reseed; it needs little to moderate water. It will bloom in the first summer from seed. |
Verbena hybrids (Verbena x hybrida, Verbena x hortensis) (Garden Verbena)
This short-lived perennial grows best in zones 8-24, H1 and H2, and is often grown as an annual. It reaches 6-12 inches tall and 1.5-3 feet, and leaves can be green or greyish-green. Blooms come in white, pink, red, purple, blue and multicolored. Varieties included in this group are listed below. The first four strains described are usually perennials in zones 4-9, 12-24, H1 and H2 or can be grown as an annual anywhere. They are resistant to powdery mildew, bloom freely and are heat tolerant, coming in a variety of colors. All varieties need regular water for best performance.
This short-lived perennial grows best in zones 8-24, H1 and H2, and is often grown as an annual. It reaches 6-12 inches tall and 1.5-3 feet, and leaves can be green or greyish-green. Blooms come in white, pink, red, purple, blue and multicolored. Varieties included in this group are listed below. The first four strains described are usually perennials in zones 4-9, 12-24, H1 and H2 or can be grown as an annual anywhere. They are resistant to powdery mildew, bloom freely and are heat tolerant, coming in a variety of colors. All varieties need regular water for best performance.
Verbena lilacina (Cedros Island Verbena) This species is a perennial and grows in zones 12-24; it is native to Baja California. Reaching 1 foot tall and 3 feet wide or more. Leaves are light green and flowers are lilac, blooming from spring to fall. It is a great groundcover for hot, dry areas. It needs little to moderate water. Variety 'De La Mina' reaches 3 feet tall and wide, and has dark purple flowers. |
Verbena peruviana (Verbena chamaedrifolia) This grows as a perennial in zones 8-24 and is treated as an annual in all zones. They are native to South America and form flat mats that spread rapidly via runners. Set 2 feet apart for best coverage. Leaves are dark green, and flowers are scarlet and white. They need moderate water. |
Verbena rigida (Verbena venosa) Best in zones 3-24; this perennial is native to South America. Reaches 1-2 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, with dark green leaves and lilac to purple-blue flowers that bloom in summer and fall. They need regular to moderate water. Variety 'Flame' reaches 4 inches tall and has bright scarlet flowers. |
Verbena stricta This perennial grows best in zones 2-24 and is native to Massachusetts to Montana, down to Mexico. Has an upright habit and reaches 3 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide. Foliage and flowers are hairy, and leaves are medium green on top, white underneath. Blooms are lavender to purple and the plant needs regular water. |
Verbena tenuisecta (Verbena pulchella graciliator) (Moss Verbena) This perennial species is native to South America and grows best in zones 7-9 and 14-24 (though it can be grown as an annual elsewhere). Reaches 6-12 inches tall and 2-5 feet wide and has deep green leaves. Flowers are blue, purple or violet. This species needs moderate water for best performance. Variety 'Alba' has white flowers. |
Caring for Verbena
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 646, Verbena
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