Verbena officinalis
common vervain
An erect, branched, perennial wildflower to 70cm, with roughly hairy, deeply lobed leaves. In late summer it produces wiry spikes bearing numerous tiny pale purple flowers
Other common names
common verbenacountryman's treacle
see moreenchanter's plant
herb grace
herb of the Cross
holy herb
holy plant
Juno's tears
Mercury's blood
pigeon grass
pigeon's grass
setywall
simpler's joy
tears of Isis
vervain
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Verbenaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Verbena can be annuals, perennials or sub-shrubs, with toothed or pinnately lobed leaves and small, usually 5-petalled, salver-shaped flowers, typically held in spikes or panicles, in summer or autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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