How to Take Care of Verbena

Verbena is an herb available in many varieties, including low-growing, tall, shrub-like and even trailing. The flat blooms are white, purple or red and last from late spring until early fall. Verbena is cold-hardy only in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 8 through 10, so most often it is grown as an annual. Verbena thrives when planted in full sun and soil that drains well. It requires frequent watering to look its best, especially during hot summer weather.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

• Garden spade
• Mulch
• Slow-release 19-5-9 fertilizer
• Pruning shears

1. Dig a planting hole that is 2 to 3 inches wider and the same depth as the roots of the verbena. Plant the verbena at the same level it was previously growing. Water until the soil feels moist.

2. Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the plant to help conserve moisture.

3. Water any time the top 1/2 inch of soil feels dry.

4. Feed once each month with slow-release 19-5-9 fertilizer. Apply it at a rate of 1 lb. for every 100 square feet of garden space.

5. Clip back one-fourth of the verbena’s top growth after the first flush of blooms has faded. Fertilize and water well after pruning.

Tips & Warnings

• Verbena also does well when planted in a container.