Verbena Growing Guide

What is Verbena?

Verbena (Verbena hybrida) is a herbaceous trailing perennial. It is part of the Verbenaceae family which contains 250 species of annuals and perennials where the majority are native to the Americas and Asia. Verbena has a sprawling or spreading habit with erect stems. They have small dark to bright green foliage that are slightly hairy depending on the variety. The leaves mainly form on the lower half of the stem which allows the flowers to form at the tips. Compact clusters of flowers will form during early Summer through to early Autumn producing a mass of colour. The flowers typically come in vibrant shades of purple, pink, red, and white, and often flower prolifically over a long season. Some varieties have fragrant flowers. They prefer full sun in cooler regions to semi shade in warmer climates where most varieties are both heat and cold tolerant.

Benefits of Growing Verbena

Verbena are an easy care and fast growing plant that is perfect for bringing colour into your garden. They are a great addition to cottage gardens and will attract bees and butterflies. They grow well in pots and containers where they will cascade over the sides and look fantastic along a retaining wall. They are easy to maintain and go especially well in borders as well as rockeries or used as a ground cover.

How to Grow Verbena

Verbena Purple

Climatic Zones

Cool, temperate, arid, semi arid.

Plant Size

Small Varieties Height: 20-40cm, Width: 20-40cm

Taller Varieties Height: 90cm-1.2m, Width: 60cm

When To Plant Verbena

Plant in Spring to early Summer.

Soil Preparation

They require fertile, well drained soil that is enriched with organic material like compost. 

How To Plant Verbena

Full sun in cooler climates to semi shade in warmer climates, with the plant crown at soil level. Check variety for spacing.

Verbena Plant Care

Water freely during the growing season but sparingly during Winter as water logging can kill the roots.  They can withstand dry periods.

Fertilise annually in Spring with a long term slow release fertiliser.

Pinch out new shoots to promote bushy growth. Remove dead flower heads to encourage flowering.

Watch out for aphids and snails. Powdery mildew can also be a problem.

They do self-seed easily so be aware if you don’t want them spreading. Removing the flower heads before they drop their seed will prevent this.

Recommended Verbena Varieties

Verbena are a fast growing plant that brings a blast of colour to your garden. 

Verbena Bebop Pink

Verbena Big Eye Purple

Verbena Big Eye Raspberry