A quick guide to Verbena
- Kate King
- Mar 21
- 2 min read
Verbena is a hardy, sun-loving plant known for its vibrant and long-lasting blooms. Available in shades of purple, pink, red, white, and blue, verbena adds a splash of colour to your garden and borders.
It's a, low-maintenance plant that thrives in warm, sunny conditions. It grows best in well-drained soil and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Verbena is a favourite for its long-lasting blooms that attract butterflies and bees.
Like Lavender, Verbena is a delightful addition to any garden. Here are some tips to help you grow and care for it successfully:
Planting Verbena
Choose the Right Spot: Verbena loves full sun, so pick a location that gets at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
Well-Drained Soil: Verbena thrives in sandy or gravelly soil with excellent drainage. Amend heavy clay soil with sand or organic matter to improve drainage.
pH Balance: Aim for slightly acidic soil to neutral pH (pH 5.8 to 7.2 ). You can test your soil and add sulphur if needed.
Planting Guidelines
Spacing: Plant Verbena at least 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart to allow good airflow. Loosen the soil in the planting area to a depth of 15-30 cm (6-12 inches).
Watering: Water young plants regularly until established, then water sparingly. Verbena is drought-tolerant once mature.
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Regular deadheading promotes more blooms. Mid-season, if the plant becomes leggy or overgrown, trim back about one-third of its length to encourage fresh growth and a bushier shape. In perennial varieties, a hard prune in early spring removes old stems and stimulates new growth.
Fertilizing: Applying a balanced fertilizer every few weeks encourages continuous blooming.
Winter Protection: In colder climates, consider mulching around the base, or growing Verbena in pots that can be moved indoors.
With minimal care, verbena provides months of colourful blooms, making it a favourite among gardeners looking for a resilient and eye-catching plant.
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