Verbena Plant Species

Over 200 species of verbena exist. These plants are native to North and South America, and most are low-growing perennials. Verbenas are tough, easy-care, drought-tolerant plants. Flowers are borne in clusters, produced throughout the warm months and attract butterflies and bees. In the United States, there are six species of verbena readily available to home gardeners.



The plants lemon beebrush and abronia are commonly known as "lemon verbena" and "sand verbena," respectively, but they are not members of the genus Verbena.

Moss Verbena

Moss verbena, (Verbena tenuisecta) grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches and a width of 3 to 6 feet. Purple, white or plum flowers are most plentiful in spring, and the plant is hardy to 15 degrees F. This plant also goes by the name fine-leaf verbena. An alternate botanical name for this same plant is Verbena pulchella.

Fragrant Heliotrope

Fragrant heliotrope (Verbena corymbosa) grows 8 inches tall and spreads to 4 feet. Violet blue flower clusters have a lovely scent.

Purpletop Verbena

Purpletop verbena (Verbena bonariensis) is taller than most other species. It grows to a height of 4 to 6 feet and a width of 1 to 3 feet. Purple flower heads grow on long stems above the lower foliage, giving an airy effect.

Peruvian Verbena

Peruvian verbena (Verbena peruviana) has a very flat growth habit that stays below 1 foot in height. This plant spreads rapidly to 3 feet in width. Flowers are red, pink, lavender and white.

Homestead Purple Verbena

Homestead purple verbena (Verbena canadensis 'Homestead') was introduced in the early 1990s by the University of Arkansas. Purple flowers are grow abundantly on a vigorous 12-inch high plant.

Sandpaper Verbena

Sandpaper verbena (Verbena rigida) grows to a height of 12 to 24 inches. Erect stems bear deep purple flower spikes. This plant is also known as tuberous vervain.

References

• Botany.com: Verbena
• Pima County Cooperative Extension:Verbena tenuisecta
• Floridata: Verbena bonariensis
• in Contra Costa County: Verbena peruviana
• University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture: Cooperative Extension Service: Plant of the Week: Homestead Purple Verbena