Garden Verbena (Verbena × hybrida)

Garden Verbena

Verbena × hybrida

Dense clusters of tiny blooms paint gardens in vivid hues. Herbaceous flowering perennial; common names: garden verbena, hybrid verbena.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Full sun to partial sun; requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for abundant blooming
💧
Watering Water thoroughly when top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
🌡️
Temperature Thrives in 18–27°C; tolerate light frost but best kept above 5°C in winter
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Opposite, ovate to lanceolate, serrated edges, fuzzy texture
  • Flower: Dense terminal umbels; colors include pink, purple, red, white, or bicolor
  • Stem: Slender, branching, slightly hairy, trailing or upright growth
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Fertilization

Feed every 2 weeks. Use balanced diluted liquid fertilizer; stop feeding in late autumn

Banana peel compost tea:Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 for root drench
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering
  • Trim leggy stems in mid-summer to promote bushier growth
  • Cut back to 5–10 cm above soil after first frost for overwintering
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes enchantment and sweet romance

Usage: Ornamental for garden borders, hanging baskets, pollinator gardens