How To Plant Verbena [ Full Guide ]

August 18, 2023
/ Planting Tips

Verbena is a versatile and vibrant flowering plant that adds a burst of color to gardens, borders, and containers. With its delicate clusters of blooms and long-lasting display, verbena is a popular choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Whether you’re looking to enhance your landscape with trailing verbena, upright verbena, or any of its varieties, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of planting and caring for verbena to ensure a successful and flourishing garden display.

Quick Answer: How To Plant Verbena

To plant verbena:

Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
Prepare the soil by amending it with compost.
Purchase healthy verbena plants or start seeds indoors.
Plant verbena at the appropriate spacing, ensuring good air circulation.
Water thoroughly after planting and maintain a consistent watering schedule.
Apply a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Monitor for pests and diseases, and take appropriate action if needed.

Understanding Verbena: Types And Varieties

Before delving into the specifics of planting verbena, it’s beneficial to understand the different types and varieties available. Common verbena species include Verbena bonariensis, Verbena rigida, and Verbena canadensis. These varieties come in a range of colors including purple, pink, red, white, and more. Additionally, verbena can be classified as either trailing or upright, each with its own unique growth habit.

Trailing Verbena: This type of verbena is well-suited for hanging baskets, containers, and as a ground cover. It produces cascades of colorful blooms and thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil.
Upright Verbena: Upright verbena grows in a more compact, bushy manner and is suitable for borders, beds, and mixed flower arrangements. It’s available in various heights and colors, making it a versatile choice for adding vertical interest to the garden.

It’s important to select the type and variety of verbena that best suits your desired planting location and the overall design of your garden.

Preparing The Soil For Verbena

One of the key elements to successful verbena planting is preparing the soil to provide an optimal growing environment for the plants. Verbena thrives in well-drained, fertile soil, and preparing the soil correctly will contribute to the long-term health and vigor of the plants.

Steps To Prepare The Soil

Test the Soil: Before preparing the soil, it’s advisable to test its pH and nutrient levels. Verbena prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5) and will benefit from a rich, well-balanced soil structure.
Amend with Compost: Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve its structure, drainage, and nutrient content. This also helps to enhance moisture retention, promote beneficial microbial activity, and provide a steady supply of nutrients to the verbena plants.
Loosen the Soil: Use a garden fork or tiller to thoroughly loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches. This aids in proper root penetration and encourages healthy root development.

By taking these steps to prepare the soil, you create a favorable foundation for your verbena plants, setting the stage for robust growth and prolific flowering.

Selecting The Right Location

Proper siting is critical for the success of verbena plants. Selecting the right location ensures that the plants receive the required sunlight, air circulation, and growing conditions to thrive and produce abundant blooms.

Considerations For Choosing A Location

Sunlight: Verbena thrives in full sunlight, so it’s essential to choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient sunlight can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Air Circulation: Good air circulation is important in preventing fungal diseases, which can be a concern in humid environments. Avoid planting verbena in areas with poor air movement, such as crowded corners or densely packed beds.
Soil Drainage: As previously mentioned, well-drained soil is crucial for verbena. Avoid locations prone to waterlogging or standing water, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other issues.
Protection from Strong Winds: While verbena enjoys a breezy environment, it’s best to avoid excessively windy locations that could damage the delicate foliage and stems.

Considering these factors will help you choose the ideal location for planting your verbena, providing an environment where the plants can thrive and flourish.

Tips For Seed Starting

While purchasing established verbena plants from a nursery is a common practice, starting verbena from seeds can also be a rewarding and cost-effective approach. Here are some tips for successfully starting verbena from seeds:

Timing: Start verbena seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. This allows ample time for the seeds to germinate and develop into healthy seedlings before transplanting them outdoors.
Seed Trays: Fill seed-starting trays or pots with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Press the verbena seeds lightly into the soil surface without covering them, as they require light to germinate.
Moisture and Temperature: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature of around 70-75°F (21-24°C) for optimal germination.
Lighting: Place the seed trays in a bright location, or supplement with grow lights to provide sufficient light for seedling growth.
Transplanting: Once the seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, transplant them into the garden, spacing them according to the specific recommendations for the variety of verbena you are growing.

With proper care and attention, starting verbena from seeds can be a rewarding way to introduce a diverse array of verbena varieties into your garden.

Planting verbena is a fulfilling endeavor that can add vibrant color and beauty to any garden landscape. By understanding the different types and varieties, preparing the soil, choosing the right location, and employing effective seed starting techniques, you can ensure that your verbena plants thrive and flourish. With proper care, including adequate watering, fertilization, and monitoring for pests and diseases, your verbena garden can become a stunning focal point and a source of joy for years to come. Whether you opt for trailing or upright verbena, the result will be a visually captivating display, attracting pollinators and spreading cheer throughout your garden. By following the guidance provided in this article, you can confidently embark on your verbena planting journey, celebrating the beauty and splendor that this beloved plant has to offer.

Choosing Healthy Verbena Seedlings

Verbena is a versatile and beautiful flowering plant that adds color and vibrancy to any garden. With its attractive clusters of small, colorful flowers, verbena is a popular choice for gardens, containers, and hanging baskets. This hardy plant is relatively easy to grow and thrives in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Before planting verbena seedlings, it is important to choose healthy plants to ensure optimal growth and flowering. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting verbena seedlings:

1. Source

Purchase verbena seedlings from reputable nurseries or garden centers to ensure their quality. These establishments typically have a wide variety of healthy plants to choose from.

2. Size And Appearance

Select seedlings that are small to medium in size with a strong, upright stem. Avoid seedlings that are too large or leggy, as they may have been stressed or neglected. Look for seedlings with healthy green foliage and avoid those with yellowing or wilted leaves.

3. Root System

Check the root system of the seedlings before purchasing. Healthy seedlings should have well-developed white roots with a compact and fibrous structure. Avoid plants with roots that are brown, rotting, or crowded.

4. Pest And Disease-Free

Inspect the seedlings for any signs of pests or diseases, such as spots, discoloration, or webbing. It is crucial to select seedlings that are free from any visible signs of damage or infestation to prevent the spread of pests and diseases to your garden.

Transplanting Verbena Seedlings

Once you have selected healthy verbena seedlings, it is time to transplant them into their permanent location. Follow these steps for successful transplanting:

1. Choose The Right Timing

Transplant verbena seedlings outdoors after the last frost date in your area. Verbena is a warm-season annual that thrives in temperatures above 60°F (15°C). Transplanting too early may expose the seedlings to cold temperatures, which can stunt their growth or even kill them.

2. Prepare The Soil

Verbena prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0-7.0). Prepare the planting area by removing any weeds or debris and loosening the soil with a garden fork or tiller. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to improve drainage and fertility.

3. Dig The Planting Holes

Dig holes in the prepared soil that are slightly larger than the root ball of the seedlings. Space the holes at least 6-12 inches apart to allow the verbena plants to spread and fully develop.

4. Transplant The Seedlings

Carefully remove the verbena seedlings from their containers, taking care not to damage the delicate roots. Gently loosen the roots if they are tightly bound. Place each seedling in its respective hole and fill the hole with soil, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Firmly press the soil around the base of the seedling to secure it in place.

5. Water Thoroughly

After transplanting, water the newly planted verbena seedlings thoroughly. This will help to settle the soil and ensure good contact between the roots and the surrounding soil. Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid overwatering, as verbena does not tolerate soggy conditions.

Caring For Young Verbena Plants

To ensure the healthy growth and development of your newly planted verbena seedlings, it is important to provide them with proper care. Here are some essential care tips for young verbena plants:

1. Sunlight Requirements

Verbena thrives in full sun, so choose a location for your plants that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient sunlight may result in leggy growth and diminished flowering.

2. Temperature And Climate

Verbena is a warm-season annual that prefers temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C). It is not frost-tolerant, so if temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C), protect your plants by covering them with a frost cloth or bring them indoors temporarily.

3. Mulching

Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, around the base of your verbena plants. Mulch helps to retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature.

4. Pruning

Regularly pinch back the growing tips of your verbena plants to promote bushier growth and more abundant flowering. Pinch off the top inch of new growth with your fingers or use clean, sharp pruning shears. This will encourage the development of multiple branches and prevent the plants from becoming leggy.

5. Deadheading

Remove spent flowers regularly through a process called deadheading. Simply pinch or snip off the withered flowers at the base of the stem. Deadheading encourages continuous blooming and prevents the plants from wasting energy on seed production.

6. Support

Verbena plants can become sprawling and may benefit from support, especially if grown in containers or hanging baskets. Use bamboo stakes or plant supports to provide stability and prevent the plants from sprawling or breaking under their own weight.

Watering And Fertilizing

Proper watering and fertilizing are essential for the healthy growth and abundant flowering of verbena. Here are some guidelines to follow:

1. Watering

Verbena prefers evenly moist soil but is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Water your plants deeply, saturating the soil to the root level, and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid watering the foliage, as wet leaves can lead to fungal diseases. Watering in the morning allows the foliage to dry quickly before nighttime.

2. Fertilizing

Fertilize your verbena plants with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Choose a fertilizer with an NPK ratio close to 10-10-10 or a similar composition. Avoid excessive fertilization, as it can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding dosage and application.

Controlling Pests And Diseases

While verbena is generally a hardy plant, it may encounter some pests and diseases. Here are common issues and tips on how to control them:

1. Aphids

Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can distort the growth of verbena plants. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soaps or a strong stream of water to dislodge them from the plant.

2. Spider Mites

These tiny pests can cause discoloration and webbing on verbena leaves. Regularly misting the leaves with water or using insecticidal soap can help control spider mite populations.

3. Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems. To prevent powdery mildew, provide good airflow around the plants by properly spacing them and regularly thinning out overcrowded growth.

4. Root Rot

Overwatering or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot, a fungal disease that causes the roots to become soft and brown. To prevent root rot, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. If root rot occurs, remove affected plants and replant in fresh, well-draining soil.

Planting verbena from seedlings is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the beauty of this vibrant plant in your garden or containers. By selecting healthy seedlings, transplanting them carefully, providing proper care, and addressing any issues that may arise, you can successfully grow verbena plants that bloom vigorously and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space. With their colorful flowers and resilience, verbena plants are sure to bring joy and beauty to your garden throughout the growing season.

Pruning And Deadheading Verbena

Verbena is a beautiful flowering plant that adds vibrant colors to any garden. It is known for its long-lasting, showy flower clusters that bloom in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, red, and white. Although verbena is relatively easy to grow, there are a few essential steps to ensure a successful planting and thriving verbena plants in your garden.

Pruning and deadheading are important aspects of verbena care that help in maintaining a healthy and vigorous plant. Pruning encourages new growth and helps to maintain the desired shape of the plant, while deadheading prevents the formation of seed heads, allowing the plant to put more energy into producing new flowers. Here are the steps to properly prune and deadhead your verbena plants:

Pruning: It is advisable to prune verbena plants when they become leggy or overgrown. The best time to prune is in early spring, just as new growth begins to emerge. Using a sharp pair of garden shears, trim back the plant by cutting it back to a few inches above the ground. Make sure to remove any dead or damaged stems as well. Pruning will stimulate new growth and result in a bushier, more compact plant.
Deadheading: Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers to encourage new blooms. It is best to deadhead verbena plants regularly throughout the blooming season. Simply pinch off the faded flowers just above the first set of healthy leaves or nodes. This will prevent the plant from wasting energy on seed production and promote the production of new flowers. Deadheading also prevents self-seeding and helps to control the spread of verbena in your garden.

Overwintering Verbena

Verbena is a perennial plant in warmer regions, but it is often grown as an annual in colder climates. However, with the right care, verbena can be overwintered and enjoyed for several years. Here are some tips for successfully overwintering your verbena plants:

Cutting back: In late fall or early winter, before the first frost, cut back your verbena plants to around 4-6 inches above the ground. This will remove any leggy or woody growth and promote healthy new growth in the following spring. Mulching the base of the plants with a layer of straw or leaves will provide extra insulation and protect the roots during the winter months.
Transplanting: If you live in an area with extremely cold winters, you may consider transplanting your verbena plants into containers and bringing them indoors for the winter. Before digging up the plants, water them thoroughly to ensure the roots are well-hydrated. Carefully remove the plants from the ground, dig a hole in a suitable container, and place the verbena plant in the hole, firming the soil around it. Place the containers in a cool and sunny location indoors, ensuring they receive adequate light. Water the plants sparingly during the winter months, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Propagation: Overwintering verbena can also be achieved by propagating new plants from cuttings. In early fall, take 3-4 inch stem cuttings from a healthy verbena plant, making sure to include a few sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings and dip the cut ends in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a small container filled with moistened potting soil, and cover the container with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse-like environment. Place it in a warm and bright location, away from direct sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. After several weeks, the cuttings should develop roots, indicating they are ready to be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.

By following these tips, you can successfully overwinter your verbena plants and enjoy their beauty year after year.

Creative Ways To Use Verbena In The Garden

Verbena is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of creative ways to enhance your garden. Here are a few ideas to incorporate verbena into your garden design:

Container plantings: Verbena is an excellent choice for container plantings, adding a pop of color to porches, patios, and balconies. Select a well-draining container and fill it with a good quality potting mix. Plant verbena in the center of the container and surround it with complementary trailing or filler plants such as lobelia or petunia. This combination will create a beautiful cascading effect and add visual interest to your outdoor space.
Borders and edging: Verbena is a great plant for creating borders and edging in your garden. Its low-growing habit and abundant flowers make it an excellent choice for defining pathways or outlining garden beds. Mix different colored varieties of verbena for a vibrant and eye-catching border that will attract pollinators and provide a stunning display of color throughout the growing season.
Hanging baskets: Hanging baskets filled with verbena are a popular choice for adding color and beauty to outdoor spaces. Choose a hanging basket with good drainage, and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Plant verbena at the center of the basket and allow it to trail over the sides. Combine it with other trailing plants like bacopa or ivy to create a full and cascading floral display.
Butterfly and pollinator gardens: Verbena is a favorite of butterflies and other pollinators due to its abundant nectar-rich flowers. Planting verbena in a dedicated butterfly or pollinator garden will attract these beneficial insects, helping to support the local ecosystem. Combine verbena with other pollinator-friendly plants such as coneflowers, milkweed, and asters for a thriving and colorful garden that will benefit both wildlife and the environment.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Planting Verbena

While verbena is generally a low-maintenance plant, there are a few common mistakes that gardeners often make when planting and caring for verbena. Avoiding these mistakes will help ensure the health and longevity of your verbena plants:

Overwatering: Verbena prefers well-draining soil and can be sensitive to overwatering. Avoid waterlogged soil by planting verbena in a location with good drainage or amending the soil with organic matter to improve drainage. Water the plants deeply but allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Planting in shade: Verbena thrives in full sun, meaning it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to produce abundant blooms. Planting verbena in shady or partially shaded areas will result in leggy plants with fewer flowers. Make sure to choose a sunny location when planting verbena in your garden.
Skipping deadheading: As mentioned earlier, deadheading verbena is crucial for continuous blooming and preventing the plant from wasting energy on seed production. Neglecting to deadhead will result in fewer blooms and a decline in the plant’s overall appearance. Make it a regular practice to remove faded flowers to encourage new growth and prolong the blooming season.
Not providing support: Some varieties of verbena, particularly taller cultivars, may benefit from staking or support. Failure to provide support can cause the plants to flop and become untidy. Use stakes or cages to support the plants, particularly in areas prone to wind or heavy rain.
Improper spacing: Verbena plants should be spaced appropriately to allow for good air circulation and prevent the spread of diseases. Overcrowded plants are more susceptible to powdery mildew and other fungal infections. Follow the spacing recommendations for your specific verbena variety to ensure healthy and vigorous plants.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your verbena plants thrive and provide a stunning display of color in your garden.

Conclusion

Planting verbena can add a vibrant burst of color and beauty to your garden. By following the proper planting techniques, regular pruning and deadheading, and considering creative ways to use verbena, you can enjoy a flourishing garden filled with these stunning flowers. Remember to pay attention to overwintering techniques to keep your verbena plants healthy and long-lasting. By avoiding common mistakes and providing the necessary care, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking display of verbena flowers year after year.

FAQS

What Type Of Soil Does Verbena Prefer?

Verbena prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is best to avoid heavy, clay-based soils as they can lead to root rot and wilting.

When Is The Best Time To Plant Verbena?

The best time to plant verbena is in the spring, after the last frost has passed. This will ensure that the plant has enough time to establish itself before the heat of summer.

How Much Sunlight Does Verbena Need?

Verbena thrives in full sun, meaning it needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with particularly hot summers, some afternoon shade may be beneficial.

How Often Should I Water My Newly Planted Verbena?

Water your newly planted verbena once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Once the plant is established, it will be more drought-tolerant and may only need watering once a week.

Can Verbena Be Grown In Containers?

Yes, verbena can be grown in containers as long as they have good drainage and are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system. Use a high-quality potting mix and water consistently to keep the soil moist. Fertilize regularly to encourage healthy growth.