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Genus Verbena (Vervain)

Verbena Verbena bonariensis Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais
ver-BEE-nah Common Name: Vervain
Much of this varied genus originates in the Americas, in both open, sunny sites and open woodland. These plants have square stems and bear small flowers in a wide variety of arrangements. The flowers are long-blooming and salverform, each made up of a slender tube that widens abruptly at the end. Verbenas are excellent for annual borders and containers (especially hanging baskets), and some for the mixed herbaceous border.
 Noteworthy characteristics: With their distinctly-arranged and cheery blossoms, Verbenas provide a long season of rich color to annual displays.
 Care: In containers: provide good drainage, full sun, and monthly fertilizer during the growing season. Outdoors, provide moist, well-drained soil in full sun.
 Propagation: Sow seed in autumn or early spring at 64° to 70°F. Divide perennials in spring and take cuttings in late summer.
 Problems: Whiteflies, aphids, slugs, snails, scale insects, spider mites, powdery mildew, Septoria leaf spot, rust.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Verbena

Verbena bonariensis Verbena bonariensis
(Tall Verbena) (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This outstanding annual or perennial deserves its popularity. It makes an architectural statement with slender, willowy stems that stand up to 6 feet tall and do not need staking. It then branches out widely near the top where rich lilac-purple flower clusters stand alone, as if they are floating. This Verbena makes a great see-through plant.
no image available Verbena canadensis 'Apple Blossom'
(Rose vervain) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This low-growing perennial produces long-lasting light pink blossoms with dark pink centers. It is an heirloom cultivar of the native species. Verbenas are excellent for annual borders, containers—especially hanging baskets—and some for the mixed herbaceous border.
Verbena speciosa 'Imagination' Verbena speciosa 'Imagination'
(Verbena) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This outstanding hybrid blooms from spring until frost and has beautifully dissected foliage. Innumerable clusters of purple blossoms cover this plant and look fantastic cascading over the edges of a hanging basket. Verbenas are excellent for annual borders, containers—especially hanging baskets—and for the mixed herbaceous border.