Verbena is a varied genus of plants, mostly native to South America. They tend to be short-lived, but the abundance of nectar-rich flowers more than makes up for this.
Hardy garden verbena varieties include the popular Verbena bonariensis and its shorter-growing cultivar ‘Lollipop‘, along with architectural Verbena hastata and Verbena rigida, which works well in pots. Tender verbenas are best grown as annuals, and are perfect for bedding schemes and hanging baskets.
How to grow verbena
Most verbena varieties do well in moist but free-draining soil in a sunny, sheltered position. Leave flowers of hardier types to develop seedheads for the birds and, in mild regions, cut them back before growth starts again in spring.
In colder regions, take cuttings to propagate new verbena plants in case they don’t survive winter. Dig up and compost bedding verbenas in autumn – you’ll need to replace them with new plants the following spring.
More on growing verbenas:
Osteospermum, petunia and verbena hanging basket
How to take verbena cuttings
Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora
Where to plant verbenas
Grow verbenas in moderately fertile, free-draining soil in full sun. Low-growing and bedding varieties work well in bedding schemes and pots, while taller verbena varieties, including Verbena bonariensis andVerbena hastata, work well at the back of the border or in prairie-style planting schemes.
How to plant verbena
Sow verbena seeds from late winter to spring, using modules or small pots filled with peat-free seed compost. Keep these in a propagator or under glass.
Pot on into individual pots when the seedlings are large enough to handle, and then plant them out where they are to flower, after the danger of frost has passed.
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