Introduction to Verbena
One of the most interesting common names for a flower is “Tears of Isis”, which refers to Verbena. This plant is well-known globally despite originating from the Americas and Asia.

The use of flower images as protective wards against the evil eye has been an age-old practice. Additionally, some believe that verbena was used to treat the wounds of Jesus post-crucifixion, although this is not widely accepted. Verbena has also been utilized in herbal tonics and aromatherapy over the years.

Verbena can be grown as an annual or perennial, with the former being more common. However, be prepared for some self-seeding craziness as the taller, upright variety can be a nuisance once it takes root in your herb bed.

While some varieties of verbena can grow up to three feet tall, most people are familiar with the shorter varieties available in shades of red, purple, white, blue, and pink. These shorter flowering plants are perfect for adding a pop of color to any combination of annuals.

Verbena is a versatile plant that can be found thriving in butterfly gardens, attracting a variety of pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds. These attractive flowers come in clusters, making it a popular choice for gardeners as a filler or spiller plant in containers or to liven up any garden area. Personally, I love adding a red variety with red-and-orange marigolds and dusty miller, creating a colorful summertime display that can easily transition into fall.

Growing verbena is relatively easy, and the plant is generally happy-go-lucky. It requires at least six hours of daily sunlight, prefers well-drained soil but isn’t particular about the soil quality, and needs around an inch of rain per week to thrive. So, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance yet charming addition to your garden, consider adding some verbena to your outdoors.

Most annual plants require some basic care, and verbena is no exception. However, unlike other hardy plants, verbena cannot tolerate neglect. If left unattended, it will become a lifeless tangle of leaves with no flowers. Fortunately, giving it a little extra care is not difficult or time-consuming. If you grow your verbena in the ground, it requires less attention because the roots can go deeper to find water and nutrients. Container-grown plants, on the other hand, need more regular care because they are in a limited space.

The most common mistake people make with verbena is overwatering or not watering enough. Overwatering can cause the stems to rot, while underwatering can lead to dry and crispy foliage. The solution is to check your plant daily during hot or dry periods. If the leaves start to droop or wilt, it is time to water them. Although one inch of rain per week is a good guideline, it may not be sufficient during extreme heat.

Verbena tends to become leggy as it grows, which can be unappealing. However, pruning it a few times a year can help it regain its shape and vigor. Overall, growing and maintaining verbena is easy as long as you give it the care it needs.

According to some sources, it’s recommended to trim your plants twice a season, but in my experience, I’ve found that cutting back the spent foliage once a month is the best way to keep the flowers blooming. The amount you need to remove will depend on how often you’re doing it. If you’re only trimming the plant once or twice a year, you can safely remove up to a third of the plant, but if you’re doing it more often, you’ll only need to remove a few inches or just the spent blooms themselves. To encourage flowering and prevent leggy growth, a quick haircut is a great solution. These blooming annuals require frequent feeding, and I’ve always had success with Jack’s All Purpose 20-20-20 Fertilizer, which is water soluble, safe to use, and highly effective.

To nourish my plants, I use J R Peters Jacks Classic 20-20-20 All Purpose Fertilizer which is available on Amazon. I make sure to follow the recommended quantity of about 1 tablespoon per gallon every two weeks. As verbena flowers thrive on regular feeding, I ensure to provide them with a nutritious meal frequently.

Fungal problems can bother verbena, especially in damp conditions. However, one can prevent this by implementing smart watering techniques and promoting adequate air circulation. Using a soaker hose or watering in the morning can help the plants to dry before nighttime falls.

The Spectracide Immunox 3-in-1 Insect Disease Control is a great product to use from Amazon in case your plants face any fungal infections like powdery mildew. A multipurpose fungicide can be used as a quick fix until the weather conditions improve. The major trouble makers for flowers are insects, and unfortunately, there are several pests that can harm them.

There are several common pests that can be a nuisance to your plants, such as aphids, caterpillars, gall midges, leaf miners, mealybugs, mites, scale, and whiteflies. If you cannot tolerate these pests, you can use insecticidal soap or the suggested fungicide above, which can also be used on insects. However, before spraying, you should consider that the pests may not be a significant problem, and it’s essential to be aware of an acceptable level of loss in your garden. Insects are part of a healthy garden, even if they occasionally damage your favorite ornamentals.

If you’re wondering where to buy live verbena, you can find it at most garden centers during the spring and summer growing season, but starting from seed is a relatively easy process. It may take a while for them to flower, with some requiring up to 90 days. When planting your seeds, sow a few per cell or container and cover with a light layer of soil. They need darkness to germinate, so don’t forget to keep them away from light. Once they start growing, thin out the weaker seedlings and keep the healthiest and strongest ones. Harden the seedlings off outdoor by following a simple schedule for a week, adding one hour to their outdoor duration each day. For a taller and more upright flower, consider the ‘Imagination’ verbena, which adds variety and texture to your garden beds and containers.

Let’s talk about two types of Verbena plants – Imagination and Bonariensis. The Imagination variety can grow up to a height of 16 inches and can be easily found on True Leaf Market. On the other hand, the Bonariensis Verbena is a more primitive species that grows as a perennial in zones 7-10. It’s a popular choice for cottage gardens due to its drought-tolerant nature and ability to attract butterflies and bees.

Looking for some new plants to add to your garden? Check out the Burpee Bonariensis Verbena seeds, available now on Amazon. These stunning violet-blue flowers come in clusters with minimal leaves, making them a unique addition to any garden. And if you’re looking for something a bit bolder, consider the Quartz XP series. These vibrant flowers are anything but subtle and are sure to demand attention in the best way possible.

Looking for some colorful, low-maintenance flowers to add to your garden? Check out our Quartz XP Series Verbena Seeds! These gorgeous blooms typically stay under a foot tall and come in a variety of shades, including Burgundy Eye, Red with Eye, Scarlet, Silver, White, Blue, or Mix. You can find them on True Leaf Market, so why not give them a try? With a little love and attention, verbena is sure to thrive in your garden beds or containers. Happy growing!

If you’re looking to add verbena to your garden, mixing it with other sun-loving annuals like marigolds, canna lilies, and heliotropes is a great idea. You can also simply plant it in your butterfly garden. Just be sure to give it the care it needs, and you’ll be pleased with the result.