Contents
Description
Verbena perennis, commonly known as the perennial verbena or blue vervain, is a herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It is native to North America and is found growing in wet meadows, pastures, and along the banks of streams and rivers. The plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and is characterized by its tall spikes of small blue-purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Genus | Verbena |
Appearance
The perennial verbena has a clumping growth habit and can spread up to 3 feet wide. The leaves are lance-shaped, toothed, and arranged alternately on the stem. The plant produces tall spikes of small blue-purple flowers that are densely packed together. The flowers have a tubular shape and are about 1/4 inch wide. The plant blooms from mid-summer to fall and attracts butterflies and bees to its flowers.
Care Guide
The perennial verbena is a relatively low-maintenance plant and is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:
- Water: The plant prefers evenly moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote growth.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The perennial verbena is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly drained soil. It can also attract aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The perennial verbena is native to North America and can be found growing in wet meadows, pastures, and along the banks of streams and rivers. It is a common plant in prairies and savannas and is often used in wildflower gardens and naturalistic landscapes.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the perennial verbena tolerate drought?
A: Yes, the plant can tolerate periods of drought but prefers evenly moist soil.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the perennial verbena?
A: The plant is hardy in zones 4-8.
Q: What type of soil does the perennial verbena prefer?
A: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: What type of insects can the perennial verbena attract?
A: The plant can attract aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Related Plants
- Verbena hastata
- Verbena bonariensis
- Verbena rigida
- Verbena canadensis
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Verbena perennis. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280498&isprofile=0&
- North Carolina State University. (n.d.). Verbena perennis. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/verbena-perennis/
- University of Wisconsin-Madison. (n.d.). Blue Vervain. Retrieved from https://wimastergardener.org/article/blue-vervain-verbena-hastata/
