Garden Verbena Care

Keep plants evenly moist until established. Once mature, these plants have average water needs, but will readily tolerate short periods of drought. Many of the parent species of these hybrids are native to Mediterranean regions or dry prairies, and their water needs resemble the conditions of those regions.Soggy plants will succumb to botrytis blight, but drought-stressed plants may attract spider mites. Water verbena as you might your lawn, with an inch of rain or irrigation each week.

Continued blooms throughout the summer are possible if the gardener keeps the plant trimmed back. Some are hesitant to remove parts of the plant regularly, but this is often necessary when planting verbena for summer blooms.

Verbenas are not heavy feeders, but they do appreciate a monthly application of balanced, slow-release flower fertilizer to help them keep up the flower show, which can last from spring until frost.

Plant verbena in full sun. Flowering will be much reduced in shady locations. This is a plant that requires 8 to 10 hours of sun daily.

These plants like a fairly dry soil with an acidic pH. Verbena is not particular about soil, except that it must be well-draining. Heavy clay will lead to root rot, so dig in several shovelfuls of compost or leaf mold to lighten your soil.

Planted as annuals hybrid verbenas perform suitably in virtually any climate, but may decline in the hottest period of the summer.

For container planting, use any general-purpose potting mix with a peat base, in a well-draining container. In mixed containers, Verbena is normally used as a "spiller" plant to trail over the sides of the container.

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