FLOWER-VERBENA (SALE)

How to grow Verbena Flowers

1. Choose a location to grow your Verbena in full sun with well-draining soil. They are also tolerant of poor soil and drought.   Sow in seed trays (see below)
2. Plant out your Verbena in the spring or fall.  Space plants about 8-12 inches apart.  Consider growing Verbena vertically by training it to climb a trellis or a garden obelisk.
3. Verbena requires regular watering and fertilisation to thrive. Water the plants when the soil is dry to the touch and fertilise them every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertiliser.
4. Deadhead by pinching off dead flowers to encourage new blooms, maintain a neat appearance and encourage bushier growth. This not only promotes more blooms but also helps to maintain a compact and tidy appearance, especially in containers or smaller garden spaces.
5. Plant Verbena alongside aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, and lavender. Not only do these herbs share similar growing conditions, but their combined fragrances also create a sensory delight in the garden while potentially repelling some pests.
6. Overwinter Verbena in colder climates and consider overwintering Verbena indoors.  Verbena is a tender perennial that may die back in colder climates. To save the plant for the next year, you can dig up the roots, dry them off and store them in a cool, dry place or you can take cuttings and root them in water or soil
7.  In colder climates, before the first frost, carefully dig up your Verbena plants, pot them, and bring them indoors to a sunny location. With proper care, they can continue to bloom throughout the winter, providing a burst of colour when the outdoor garden is dormant.

Growing in seed trays

1. Sprinkle verbena seeds onto the soil surface, you do not have to cover the seed with soil. Place the seed tray somewhere warm and sunny that maintains an average temperature of 18 to 21°C & where it won’t be disturbed.
2. Spritz with a water spray bottle daily to maintain moist soil. Continue this for the entire verbena germination period, which is approximately three to four weeks. Thin out your seedlings once they have developed a couple sets of mature leaves.

Heritage of Verbena Flowers

Native to both North and South America, Verbena boasts various species thriving across different regions of the continents, from the United States to Brazil.  The heritage of Verbena flowers traces back centuries to ancient times when they were revered for their divine and healing properties. Derived from the Latin word “verbenae,” meaning sacred branches or plants, Verbena has long been cherished for its vibrant blooms and aromatic foliage. Today, this beloved garden plant remains a symbol of beauty and versatility, attracting pollinators while adorning gardens and floral arrangements worldwide.