Tips for How to Grow Verbena Flowers
The verbena plant is known for its clusters of colorful blooms that thrive in sunny, warm conditions. Perfect for garden beds, borders, and containers, verbena plants add vibrant color to any landscape. They are drought-tolerant and can withstand heat, making them an ideal choice for gardens in warmer climates. Verbena plants are also great for attracting butterflies to your garden.
Choosing a Variety of Verbena Plant
When selecting a verbena plant variety, consider your garden space and aesthetic preferences. Trailing verbena varieties, such as Verbena canadensis, are excellent for ground cover or hanging baskets. If you’re looking for upright growth, Verbena bonariensis features tall stems and violet blooms that are perfect for adding height to your flower bed. For a mix of colors, hybrid verbenas offer a range of shades, from pink and red to purple and white.
When to Start Verbena Seeds
To grow a verbena plant from seed, start indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost date in your region. Verbena seeds have a long germination period and benefit from this early start.
How to Start Verbena Seeds
Verbena seeds need a period of cold stratification to ensure successful germination. Before sowing, place the seeds in the refrigerator for about two weeks. When planting, use a seed-starting mix and press the seeds into the surface of the soil without covering them, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist by misting it regularly and place the tray in a bright location. Expect germination in 20-30 days.
Transplanting Verbena
Once the seedlings have grown strong with a couple of sets of true leaves, and the last frost has passed, you can transplant them into your garden. The verbena plant thrives in full sun, so select a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Space the plants about 12 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.
Special Considerations: Annual or Perennial Verbena
Most verbena plants are grown as annuals, though some varieties like Verbena rigida and Verbena bonariensis are hardy perennials in zones 7-11. In cooler climates, annual verbena will last through the growing season, while in warmer zones, perennials will return year after year. Regardless of the type, verbena plants are highly drought-tolerant once established, making them an excellent choice for low-water gardens.
Growing Tips for Verbena Plant
For best results with your verbena plant:
- Water regularly during dry spells, but avoid overwatering, as verbena prefers slightly dry soil.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
- Fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and more blooms.
- Provide good air circulation around the plants to prevent disease, especially in humid climates.
Pests and Problems to Watch For
Verbena plants are generally hardy, but you should watch for:
- Aphids and whiteflies. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Powdery mildew can be an issue in humid conditions. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of mildew.
- Root rot is another concern in poorly drained soil, so make sure your planting site has excellent drainage.
All types of verbena require full sun and well-drained soil. Plant them in garden beds, borders, rock gardens, containers, or hanging baskets for dainty, colorful flowers in summer.
