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Verbena
We track 52 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Verbena varieties
See all 52 Verbena varieties →Search this genus →
4 species of Verbena
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Verbena in Sow
Save the Verbena you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Verbena
Whats common across all Verbena varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Verbena year
- PruneJuly75% of varieties
Cut back leggy stems by 1/3 in mid-summer to encourage bushier growth
- FertilizeApril–August73% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced fertilizer in early spring if soil is poor
- DeadheadJune–August60% of varieties
Shear back lightly mid-season if flowering slows or plant looks leggy
- PlantMarch–May43% of varieties
Plant transplants in spring or early fall in well-drained soil
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March33% of varieties
Cut back old, woody growth by up to one-third before new growth begins
- Check for PestsJune–August33% of varieties
Monitor for powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions.
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Water deeply when soil feels dry 🌱
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Verbena
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Increase humidity and apply miticide |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on foliage, speckled leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap and increase humidity |
| Thrips | Silvery stippling or distorted leaves and flowers; tiny, fast-moving insects. | Use blue or yellow sticky traps to monitor. Spray with insecticidal soap or spinosad. Release beneficial predatory mites. |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply sulfur fungicide |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting despite watering, brown roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
Making more Verbena
Cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings in early summer.
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist, well-drained soil.
- Keep soil moist and place in bright, indirect light.
- Roots develop in about 6 weeks.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring and keep warm for 2 weeks.
- Germination occurs in 10-14 days.
Verbena questions
How many types of Verbena are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 52 distinct Verbena varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.3k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Verbena grow in?
Across its varieties, Verbena covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Verbena bloom?
Most Verbena varieties bloom in late spring to fall, spring to fall, summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Verbena should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.