With the numerous verbena species and varieties, it can be difficult to choose. The differences are not only in appearance, but also in the characteristics of the species.
The Verbena genus (Verbena) is versatile and sometimes it is not so easy to find out where the differences between the species are. For a better overview, we have compiled the most common verbena species and their varieties here.
Vervain Varieties and Species: How Many Are There?
The iron herbs (Verbena) include around 87 different species. However, not all of them are used as ornamental plants. The verbena species are distributed almost worldwide and differ accordingly, for example in terms of their winter hardiness. Of the most popular verbena species, there are now also some varieties that are characterized by certain growth traits or flower colors.
Vervain species and varieties at a glance
To make it easier to choose the right verbena variety for your own garden, we have put together a small selection of the loveliest verbena species and varieties. The best known is certainly vervain (Verbena officinalis), which is used in medicine. Many other species, on the other hand, convince more with their ornamental value for the garden. Caring for the verbena species listed here is essentially the same as caring for common verbena. They only have to be watered during longer dry periods and fertilization at the beginning of the growing season is sufficient in good locations. This supports a rich flowering. A long-term fertilizer is suitable, such as our Plantura organic flower fertilizer, which you simply work into the soil. The nutrients are released gradually and are sufficient for the verbena in good locations for the entire growing season. All species also self-seed, so they can be propagated by seed.
Tip: Greek vervain (Sideritis scardica) belongs despite its namenot to the verbena genus, but to the articular herbs (Sideritis).
Patagonian Vervain
The Patagonian Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) is also known under the names Argentine Vervain, Argentine Verbena or Tall Vervain. It is an annual to biennial, herbaceous plant that forms many small, violet flowers that are clustered in umbellate inflorescences. The flowering period extends from July to October. It grows as an upright nest and reaches heights of up to 120 cm. The bee-friendly verbena species is best planted in full sun. Otherwise, the Patagonian Verbena makes hardly any demands on its location. The soil should ideally be well-drained and fresh or slightly moist. You can propagate the Patagonian Verbena by seeds, or simply leave the inflorescences in place so that they can self-seed and spread by themselves. It is also possible to use semi-lignified cuttings that are cut in the fall. About eight to ten plants fit on one square meter, creating an attractive overall picture. Other plants to pair Patagonian Verbena with include Mediterranean subshrubs such as rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), that have similar location requirements.
Is Patagonian Verbena hardy? Verbena bonariensis can survive temperatures down to
- 12 °C, but should always be protected with a layer of mulch, such as leaves. The above-ground parts of the plant die off in winter. If it does not survive the winter, it is usually self-seeding.
The Patagonian Vervain 'Lollipop' is known as a variety. It remains significantly smaller than the species and reaches a height of about 60 cm with a compact habit. It is therefore also called Little Patagonian Vervain.
Lance Vervain
The North American vervain (Verbena hastata) has a completely different inflorescence when it blooms from July to September. The small violet flowers are arranged in spikes in this species, similar to that of common verbena. Together with the lanceolate leaves and the upright growth, the verbena has more than earned its name. The species reaches heights of about 100 to 150 cm and is hardy down to - 30 °C, so it usually needsno additional protection. Since the plant dies above ground in winter anyway, it makes sense to cut it back before winter or at the latest until new growth begins.
Verbena hastata grows best in a sunny spot in well drained, fresh, or moderately moist soil. When planting, care should be taken to ensure that there are no more than seven plants per square meter. In early summer, cuttings can be obtained from adult specimens for propagation.
In addition to the species, four other varieties of Verbena hastata are known:
- 'Blue Spiers': Blue-purple flowers.
- 'Pink Spiers': Flowers white-pink.
- 'White Spiers': With white flowers.
- 'Rosea': Blooms pink-pink.
Stiff Vervain
The South American stiff verbena (Verbena rigida) reaches heights of about 60 cm and forms spike-shaped inflorescences. However, the flowers appear to be arranged in a hemispherical arrangement. The pink flowers can be enjoyed over a long flowering period from June to October. The stiff verbena blooms most happily in locations with moderately nutrient-rich, well-drained soil in the sun and without wind. About three to five plants per square meter should be planted. The following varieties of stiff verbena are available:
- 'Venosa': Produces strong pink flowers.
- 'Lilac Blue': Blue-purple flowers and only about 40 cm tall.
In contrast to the other verbena species, stiff verbena does not tend to self-seed generously, which is why it is advisable to collect the seeds and prepare them.
Is stiff verbena hardy? The herbaceous plant loves warmth and is only partially hardy. It tolerates temperatures down to about - 5 °C. As a rule, it is therefore kept as an annual plant in our latitudes. With proper winter protection, such as a thick layer of mulch, it can survive a mild winter. If the stiff verbena grows perennial, it develops a broad, sprawling growth habit, which has also given the species the name runner verbena.
Upright Vervain
Vervain (Verbena stricta) is native to North America and can also be found in our gardento be planted. Compared to the other verbena species, it forms quite large individual flowers that are arranged in the form of spikes or cylinders. The spike then blooms from bottom to top during the flowering period from July to August. The flowering period is comparatively short, lasting only about four weeks. The annual to biennial herbaceous plant grows to a height of about 60 cm. It needs a sunny, warm spot and well-drained soil. This species is hardy but not particularly long-lived and can withstand temperatures down to - 30 °C.
A distant relative of Verbena is Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora), although not of the same genus. You can find tips on caring for lemon verbena and many other interesting articles on medicinal plants in our magazine.