Growing Verbena

Botanical Name:

Verbena

Life Cycle:

annuals, perennials

Planting Time:

spring

Height:

12" to 18"

Exposure:

full sun to light shade

Soil:

average, well-drained, evenly moist soil

Hardiness:

depends on variety

Bloom Time:

spring through early fall

Flower:

shades of pink, red or purple

Foliage:

dark green

Propagation:

seeds and cuttings

Suggested Use:

beds, borders, pots, hanging baskets, rock gardens, and edging

Growing Hints:

The easiest and most no fuss way to grow verbena is to purchase plants. You can also start them from seed 8 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost date. Seeds may take up to a month to germinate so be prepared to wait. Start them in individual peat pots, two seeds to a pot. After careful hardening off, transplant outdoors at 10 to 12 inch intervals. When plants become well established, snip off center stem to encourage bushier growth.

Interesting Facts:

Verbena attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. You can save your verbena plants for next year by taking cuttings and bringing them indoors to a sunny windowsill until warm weather returns.