Verbena | Elevate Your Garden With Our Vibrant Varieties

Verbena is a genus of perennial flowering plants that are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. They are popular among gardeners for their beautiful flowers, delicate foliage, and ease of cultivation. Verbena flowers come in virtually every solid color and multicolor. There are both annual and perennial species of Verbena. Some varieties, like Verbena bonariensis, are known for their tall, airy stems that attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees. Others, such as trailing Verbena, are ideal for hanging baskets and ground cover due to their sprawling growth habit.

Annual Verbena

At Martin Garden Center, we offer both annual and perennial verbena. Annual trailing Verbena at Martina Garden Center includes varieties such as the Lanai, Vanessa and Estrella Series in 4″ containers. We grow a variety of colors and offer an entire table full (and overflowing) of these annual verbenas with 8-10 varieties available at a time. Once our stock of Verbena has been expended, we are reliant on our vendors to supply 4″ containers and hanging baskets of Verbena as well. Our vendors carry hybrids such as listed above and the Empress, Obsession, Twisted and Wicked series.

While we would like to maintain a full table of annual verbena through spring and early summer, we often find that our Verbena table may be empty for 7-10 days at a time in between plantings. So keep that in mind if trailing annual Verbena is a priority. Verbena hanging baskets are also available sporadically and the upright annual verbena in our bedding flat section comes and goes. Upright annual verbena in flats becomes available in early spring from April to early May. It is very limited, so we wish you luck in finding this. The Quartz series is the commonly found verbena in flats.

We are growing the following varieties of Annual Verbena in 2025:

Perennial Verbena

Some verbena species and cultivars are perennial, meaning they can live for multiple growing seasons. In the Upstate SC, we have several varieties of perennial Verbena that are zoned for cold-tolerance through Zone 7. Note that perennial Verbena tends to vine more and flower less than annual Verbena. Some of the perennial Verbena that we carry in 4″ containers include Doug’s Pink; Homestead Pink & Purple & Red, and the Endura Series of Verbena which is cold hardy through Zone 7. Note that we also carry Verbena bonariensis (Lollipop Verbena), an upright purple verbena.

We attempt to keep Verbena of all colors stocked in our Perennial section though we often have limited or no availability for several weeks during high demand during spring. After Spring, we only have perennial Verbena sporadically as grown by our vendors. Later in the season towards fall, we generally only see the Lollipop Verbena.

We are growing the following varieties of Perennial Verbena in 4″ containers in 2025:

Growing and Caring For Verbena

Verbena prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types so long as the soil is not too wet. Verbena should be watered regularly but not overwatered. Periodically applying a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season can promote healthy growth and encourage it to produce more flowers. Verbena can be grown from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown indoors in early spring and then transplanted outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. Cuttings can be taken from established plants in the fall and then rooted in a potting mix.

Verbena generally have only one pest of concern: Thrip. Look for foliage with a white or gray mottled surface and that is evidence of thrip. Thrip does not kill the Verbena … rather, it is aesthetically displeasing. Thrip can be easily treated with an organic pesticide named Spinosad. Multiple treatments may be required to eradicate the pest. And, because thrip is commonly found in a garden environment, Verbena are likely to be reinfected because, as we said before, thrip love Verbena.

Leaves and Flowers

The leaves of the Verbena plant are long, narrow, and toothed. They are usually arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant, and their color can vary from light to deep green. The leaves are aromatic and have a lemony scent that is released when they are crushed or bruised.

Verbena flowers are typically small and arranged in clusters often held above the foliage, making them visible and attractive to pollinators.

Uses in the Garden

Upright Verbena is often utilized as a bedding plant, creating colorful carpets of flowers that can thrive in full sun or partial shade. Its low-growing habit and prolific blooming make it an excellent choice for ground covers and border. Trailing Verbena is often used in containers and hanging baskets. Trailing Verbena can also be planted in beds, resulting in the Verbena taking root at each location that the stem touches ground.

Additionally, some Verbena varieties are known for their pleasant fragrance, further enhancing the sensory experience of a garden. Whether used as a focal point or mixed with other plants, verbena brings beauty, versatility, and a touch of nature’s charm to garden spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Verbena Deer-Resistant?

Deer typically avoid feeding on Verbena. The strong fragrance and bitter taste of verbena foliage contribute to its resistance against deer browsing.

Is Verbena Toxic to Animals?

Verbena plants are not typically considered toxic to animals. However, it’s important to note that some varieties of verbena may have mild toxicity, and individual animals can react differently to plants. If your pet ingests small amounts of verbena, it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Is Verbena Edible?

Verbena encompasses various species, some cultivated as ornamental plants and others for culinary use. While some species of verbena are indeed edible and have culinary uses, many varieties of verbena are grown for their colorful flowers and attractive foliage and are unsuitable for consumption.

Some edible varieties include Verbena officinalis (common vervain), which has edible leaves and flowers that can be used in salads, teas, or as a garnish for various dishes. Lemon verbena is another popular variety for its fragrant leaves in culinary applications, particularly for flavoring beverages and desserts.

While many species are safe for human consumption in small quantities, it’s crucial to verify the specific variety you’re using and ensure it hasn’t been treated with pesticides or other chemicals not intended for food crops. Additionally, some people may have allergies or sensitivities to certain plants, so it’s wise to introduce new foods gradually and in moderation.

What Does Verbena Smell Like?

In general, the scent of verbena is often associated with freshness and vitality, making it a popular choice for perfumes, candles, and other aromatic products. However, the scent of verbena can vary depending on the species and variety. Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is one of the most well-known varieties and is prized for its strong, citrusy fragrance reminiscent of lemon.

When you crush or rub the leaves of lemon verbena between your fingers, you’ll release its potent lemon scent, which is fresh, zesty, and aromatic. Other varieties have a more subtle aroma that some describe as slightly earthy or floral. However, not all species of verbena have a distinct fragrance, and some ornamental varieties may have little to no scent.