perennial

Summer Blaze Verbena

Verbena x hybrida 'Summer Blaze'

The Story

Plant Bio

Verbena x hybrida 'Summer Blaze' is a vigorous, low-growing perennial with dense, spreading foliage and clusters of vibrant, tubular red flowers that attract pollinators throughout the summer season.

This cultivar is particularly valued for its long-lasting, bright red blooms and excellent heat tolerance, making it ideal for summer borders and container planting.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesVivid purple flowers add striking color to garden beds and containers.
Practical UsesDrought-tolerant and low-maintenance, ideal for water-wise gardens.
Ecological BenefitsProvides nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
SpeciesVerbena x hybridaGarden Verbena

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South America (parentage)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

J
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M
J
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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-drained soil in spring
  2. Water regularly until established, then reduce watering
  3. Provide full sun for best flowering
  4. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer during growing season
  5. Pinch back to promote bushiness in early summer
  6. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot during wet periods

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
  • Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
  • Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture

Don't

  • Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
  • Use heavy clay soil without amendments
  • Allow plants to sit in waterlogged soil

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful border with purple flowersDrought-tolerant groundcover in sunny bedsVivid container plant for patios

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Summer Blaze Verbena questions

What zones can Summer Blaze Verbena grow in?

Summer Blaze Verbena is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Summer Blaze Verbena deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Summer Blaze Verbena, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Summer Blaze Verbena bloom?

Summer Blaze Verbena typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Summer Blaze Verbena need full sun?

Summer Blaze Verbena does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Summer Blaze Verbena drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Summer Blaze Verbena handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Summer Blaze Verbena with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.