🌸 Verbena: Growing Guide
Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at −5 to 35 °C (23–95 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.8–7.2. Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart. Expect 60–90 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Verbena bonariensis |
|---|---|
| Category | Tea |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 30 cm (12 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.8–7.2 |
| Comfortable temperature | −5 to 35 °C (23–95 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 60–90 days |
| Sowing depth | 0.3 cm (0.1 in) |
| Height | 90–180 cm (35–71 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out |
| Tropical | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Aug.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr–May · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb · Harvest: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Harvest: Feb–Jan.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.
Watering
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 8 days in winter. Moderate watering.
Growing tips
Long flowering. Attracts butterflies. Very airy. Lollipop and Purple.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Verbena: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Aug. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr–May · Harvest: Jun–Jul. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
Verbena: how often should I water it?
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 8 days in winter. Moderate watering.
Verbena: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 30 cm (12 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 0.3 cm (0.1 in).
Verbena: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 60–90 days.
Verbena: which plants grow well with it?
Zinnia, Velvet.
Verbena: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Powdery mildew, Aphids.
Plan your garden
Add Verbena to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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