Purple vervain
Verbena hastata · Verbenaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant purple vervain: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- July to September
- Adult size
- 60 to 120 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Down to -15 °C
- Origin
- North America
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerant
Care
Exposure
Plant your hastata verbena in full sun, where it receives at least 6 hours of direct light daily. It tolerates light partial shade, but flowers less abundantly. Avoid overly shaded areas that slow down growth.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil slightly moist but without waterlogging. Once established, it tolerates drier periods. Reduce watering in autumn and winter.
Soil
This verbena prefers well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. It adapts to many soil types, even moderately poor ones. Improve soil structure with compost at planting time.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during flowering to support flower production. A compost application in spring is generally sufficient for well-established plants. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and cutting
Pinch back the tips in spring to encourage dense, compact branching. Remove spent flowers regularly to extend the flowering period. Cut the plant back to 15-20 cm from the ground in late autumn or early spring.
Diseases and pests
Watch for powdery mildew in case of excessive humidity or poor air circulation. Spider mites can appear in dry weather. Maintain good air circulation and avoid watering the foliage to prevent fungal problems.
Did you know?
Hastata verbena was widely used by North American indigenous peoples for medicinal and ritual purposes. Its botanical name "hastata" means "halberd-shaped," referring to the characteristic silhouette of its basal leaves. Highly appreciated by pollinators, it naturally attracts butterflies and bees throughout the summer.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- VervainVerbena officinalis
- Verveine NodiflorePhyla nodiflora
- Purple verbenaVerbena bonariensis
- Lemon verbenaAloysia citrodora
- Aztec sweet herbLippia dulcis
- Aloysia polystachyaAloysia polystachya
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.