Plant Search
Verbena
Plant Family
Verbenaceae
Verbena
Photo by: JAMES BURGHARDT
Plant Common Name
Verbena
General Description
The genus Verbena comprises over 250 species of herbaceous annuals, perennials and subshrubs that can be found across the Americas and some parts of Europe and Asia. Species are diverse in their appearance, habits, habitats and cultural needs, but all have clusters of small, tubular flowers in shades of blue, white, red or purple. Flower clusters may be spike-like, flattened or conical and are attractive to butterflies. Leaves may be dissected and ferny or entire, depending on the species. There are thousands of cultivated varieties; many of which are grown as annual bedding plants. These have flowers that come in a wide range of colors to include violet, purple, red, pink, salmon, white and apricot. Some more commonly grown species for the garden include the mounding and floriferous Verbena canadensis , tall, airy V. bonariensis and the upright V. rigida . All have purple to violet flowers. Most cultivated vervains grow best in full sun and average, amply drained soil. They are warm season plants that often have long bloom times and perform best if regularly deadheaded.
Characteristics
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Native To
North America, Central America, South America, Southern Europe, Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Growth Rate
Fast
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Red, Purple, Pink, Rose, Salmon, Coral, Lavender, Blue Violet
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Fruit Color
Tan, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Hanging Basket, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
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