High Quality Verbena For Sale

New Zealand’s Best Verbena Plants

Growing colourful shrubs in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Verbena plants and the right one for your space. Our plants have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Verbena, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Verbena

1. What are some facts about Verbena?

Verbena, also known as vervain or verveine, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Verbenaceae. It is a diverse group with over 150 species native to warm temperate regions around the world. Verbena plants are known for their attractive clusters of small, colorful flowers that bloom profusely throughout the summer months. They are popular ornamental plants, often used in gardens, borders, and containers.

Here are some interesting facts about Verbena:

1. Wide Range of Colors: Verbena flowers come in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, purple, blue, white, and yellow. This variety of colors makes them a versatile choice for landscaping, as they can be used to create eye-catching displays in various color schemes.
2. Attracts Beneficial Insects: Verbena plants are excellent at attracting beneficial insects, such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. These pollinators play a vital role in the garden, helping to ensure pollination and fruit set in other plants.
3. Easy to Grow: Verbena plants are relatively easy to grow and maintain. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. With proper care, they can bloom continuously from spring to fall.
4. Drought Tolerance: Many verbena species are drought-tolerant, making them a good choice for areas with low rainfall. They can withstand periods of dry weather without showing signs of stress.
5. Medicinal Properties: Some verbena species have been used traditionally for their medicinal properties. For instance, verbena officinalis, also known as common verbena or lemon verbena, has been used to treat various ailments, including anxiety, insomnia, and digestive problems.
6. Culinary Uses: Verbena leaves, particularly those of lemon verbena, have a refreshing lemon-mint flavor and are sometimes used in cooking and herbal remedies. They can be added to salads, teas, and other beverages.
7. Symbolism and Folklore: Verbena has long been associated with various symbolic meanings and folklore. In some cultures, it is considered a symbol of protection, love, and good luck. It has also been used in rituals and spells for various purposes, such as healing, divination, and attracting love.
8. Versatility in Landscaping: Verbena plants can be used in various landscaping applications. They are suitable for borders, containers, hanging baskets, and groundcovers. Their compact growth habit and colorful flowers make them a popular choice for adding visual interest to gardens and patios.
9. Hybrid Cultivars: There are numerous hybrid cultivars of verbena available, offering a wide range of flower colors, sizes, and growth forms. These cultivars have been selectively bred to enhance their ornamental value and adaptability to different growing conditions.
10. Sustainability: Verbena plants are generally considered sustainable landscaping choices. They are relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in various environments, reducing the need for excessive fertilizers and pesticides.

Verbena plants offer a combination of beauty, versatility, and ease of care, making them a popular choice for gardeners and homeowners alike. With their vibrant colors, ability to attract pollinators, and diverse applications in landscaping, verbena plants continue to grace gardens and patios worldwide.

2. Where does verbena grow best?

Verbena plants thrive in warm, sunny locations with well-drained soil. They prefer full sun or partial shade, but they can tolerate some heat and drought. Here are some specific growing conditions that verbena plants prefer:

• Soil: Verbena prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (between 6.0 and 7.5). If the soil is too heavy or clay-like, it can be amended with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve drainage and aeration.
• Sun: Verbena thrives in full sun, where it will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, particularly in hotter climates.
• Temperature: Verbena plants are best suited for warm climates and prefer temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C). They can tolerate some heat, but they may not bloom as well in colder regions.
• Watering: Verbena is relatively drought-tolerant, but it will benefit from regular watering, especially during hot, dry periods. Aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation.
• Humidity: Verbena can tolerate a range of humidity levels, but it prefers moderate humidity. In areas with low humidity, it may be necessary to provide additional moisture, such as misting the leaves or using a humidifier.
• Fertilizer: Verbena benefits from light fertilization during the growing season. A balanced liquid fertilizer or a slow-release granular fertilizer can be applied every few weeks.

By providing these optimal growing conditions, you can help your verbena plants reach their full potential and enjoy their vibrant blooms throughout the summer months. Verbena plants are versatile and adaptable, adding a splash of color and attracting beneficial pollinators to gardens, borders, and containers.

3. What does verbena attract?

Verbena plants are known for their ability to attract a variety of beneficial insects, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. These pollinators play a vital role in the garden and ecosystem, helping to ensure pollination and fruit set in various plants.

Here's a breakdown of the specific pollinators attracted to verbena:

• Butterflies: Verbena's colorful, fragrant flowers provide a rich source of nectar and pollen for butterflies. The flat-topped clusters of flowers are particularly attractive to butterflies, as they offer a convenient landing platform and easy access to nectar.
• Bees: Bees are also drawn to verbena's flowers, seeking nectar and pollen for food. The open structure of the flowers allows bees to easily access the nectar glands, making them a valuable food source for these important pollinators.
• Hummingbirds: Hummingbirds are attracted to verbena's bright colors and long flowering season. The tubular shape of the flowers is well-suited for the hummingbird's long, slender beak, allowing them to extract nectar efficiently.

In addition to these primary pollinators, verbena plants can also attract other beneficial insects, such as lacewings, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps. These insects help to control pests and maintain a healthy ecosystem in the garden.

The ability to attract pollinators is one of the many benefits of planting verbena. By providing a haven for these beneficial insects, gardeners can contribute to the overall health of their gardens and the surrounding environment. Verbena's vibrant blooms and pollinator-friendly nature make it a valuable addition to any garden or landscaping project.

4. What does Verbena need?

Verbena plants are relatively easy to grow and maintain, but they do have some specific needs for optimal growth and flowering. Here are the essential requirements for verbena plants:

1. Full Sun or Partial Shade: Verbena plants thrive in sunny locations, receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate some partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but excessive shade may reduce flowering.
2. Well-Drained Soil: Verbena prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (between 6.0 and 7.5). Heavy clay soil can cause waterlogging and root rot, so it's important to amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve drainage.
3. Moderate Moisture: Verbena is relatively drought-tolerant, but it benefits from regular watering, especially during hot, dry periods. Aim to provide about 1 inch (25 mm) of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering.
4. Regular Feeding: Verbena thrives with light fertilization during the growing season. A balanced liquid fertilizer or a slow-release granular fertilizer can be applied every few weeks to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth and abundant flowering.
5. Deadheading: Regular deadheading, or removing spent flower blooms, encourages continuous flowering and prevents the plant from directing energy towards seed production. Deadheading can be done by hand or with sharp pruning shears.
6. Pest and Disease Control: Verbena plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to powdery mildew, aphids, and spider mites. Proper care, including good watering practices and avoiding overhead watering, can help prevent these problems.
7. Winter Care: In colder climates, verbena plants are treated as annuals and discarded after the first frost. In warmer climates, verbena can be overwintered by providing protection from harsh winter conditions. Mulching around the base of the plant and covering it with a frost blanket can help protect the roots.

By providing these essential requirements, you can help your verbena plants flourish and add vibrant splashes of colour to your garden throughout the summer months. Verbena's ease of care, resilience, and ability to attract beneficial pollinators make it a popular choice for gardeners and homeowners alike.

5. What grows well with Verbena?

Verbena is a versatile and adaptable flowering plant that pairs well with a variety of garden companions. Its vibrant blooms and attractive foliage complement a range of plants, enhancing the visual appeal and ecological diversity of the garden. Here are some excellent companions for verbena:

1. Petunias: Petunias, with their trumpet-shaped flowers in a wide range of colors, create a stunning contrast with verbena's flat-topped clusters. The combination of these two flowering plants provides a continuous display of color throughout the summer.
2. Salvias: Salvias, with their distinctive spikes of flowers, add a touch of elegance and height to the garden alongside verbena. Their diverse flower colors, including red, pink, purple, and blue, complement verbena's vibrant hues.
3. Ornamental Grasses: Ornamental grasses provide a textural contrast to verbena's soft foliage, adding movement and interest to the garden. Their graceful plumes sway in the breeze, creating a dynamic interplay of colors and textures.
4. Coreopsis: Coreopsis, with its cheerful yellow daisy-like flowers, brings a sunny disposition to the garden alongside verbena. The combination of these two plants creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
5. Lamium (Dead Nettle): Lamium, with its variegated foliage, provides a unique contrast to verbena's solid green leaves. The combination of these two plants adds visual interest and texture to the garden.
6. Gazania: Gazania, also known as African daisy, resembles a miniature sunflower with its vibrant yellow, orange, and red flowers. Its cheerful blooms complement verbena's diverse color palette.
7. Alyssum: Alyssum, with its delicate white or purple flowers, adds a touch of softness and fragrance to the garden alongside verbena. Its low-growing habit makes it a suitable edging plant.
8. Impatiens: Impatiens, with their vibrant shades of pink, orange, red, and purple, thrive in shady areas, complementing verbena's preference for sunnier locations. Together, they create a colorful display in gardens with varying light conditions.
9. Coleus: Coleus, with its stunning foliage patterns in shades of green, purple, red, and pink, provides a striking contrast to verbena's solid green leaves. Their combination adds visual interest and texture to the garden.
10. Vinca: Vinca, also known as periwinkle, is a low-growing groundcover with attractive purple or white flowers. Its spreading habit complements verbena's upright growth, adding a touch of color and texture to garden beds and borders.

These are just a few examples of the many plants that grow well with verbena. The specific pairings you choose will depend on your personal preferences and garden conditions. With its versatility and adaptability, verbena can enhance the beauty and ecological diversity of your garden, creating a vibrant and thriving landscape.

6. Will Verbena come back every year?

Whether or not verbena comes back every year depends on the type of Verbena and the climate.

• Perennial verbena will typically come back every year in climates with mild winters. In colder climates, it may die back to the ground in the winter, but it will sprout new growth in the spring.
• Annual verbena will not come back every year. It will typically die after the first frost.

7. Does verbena grow fast?

Verbena is generally considered a fast-growing plant. Most verbena species will reach their mature size within a single growing season. This makes them a popular choice for gardeners who want to add quick bursts of color to their landscapes.

Here are some factors that can affect the growth rate of verbena:

• Species: Some verbena species grow faster than others. For example, Verbena bonariensis is known for its vigorous growth, reaching heights of up to 5 feet (1.5 m) in a single season.
• Climate: Verbena thrives in warm, sunny climates. In cooler climates, their growth may be slower.
• Soil: Verbena prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Poor soil conditions can stunt their growth.
• Care: With proper care, including regular watering, fertilization, and deadheading, verbena will grow faster and produce more flowers.

Overall, Verbena is a fast-growing plant that can add a lot of colour and interest to your garden in a short amount of time. With a little care, you can enjoy beautiful Verbena blooms all summer long.

8. Does verbena do better in pots or the ground?

Verbena can grow well in both pots and the ground. However, there are some advantages and disadvantages to each method of growing verbena.

Pots

• Advantages:
  • More control over soil drainage and moisture levels
  • Easier to move around to different locations
  • Less susceptible to pests and diseases
• Disadvantages:
  • Requires more frequent watering
  • May dry out more easily in hot weather
  • May not have as much space for roots to grow

Ground

• Advantages:
  • More space for roots to grow
  • Less frequent watering required
  • More natural appearance in the landscape
• Disadvantages:
  • Less control over soil drainage and moisture levels
  • More susceptible to pests and diseases
  • May not be as easy to move around

Ultimately, the best way to grow verbena depends on your individual preferences and gardening conditions. If you are looking for a low-maintenance option, growing verbena in pots may be a good choice. If you are looking for a more natural appearance, growing verbena in the ground may be a better option.