Verbena is a versatile and colourful flowering plant cherished for its clusters of tiny, vibrant blossoms. These hardy perennials come in a variety of colours, including purple, pink, and white, adding a lively touch to your garden. With their easy-going nature and long-lasting blooms, verbenas are a popular choice for gardeners seeking a burst of low-maintenance beauty in their outdoor spaces.
Planting Calendar
The best time to plant verbena is in spring and summer.
Prepare
Verbena is a great addition to the garden due to its tough and resilient nature. It come in a variety of shapes and sizes from upright types to ground covers. Verbena are sun lovers and will provide vivid pops of colour in reds, pinks, white and purples. Ideal for use in garden beds. pots or hanging baskets. Bees and butterflies are also attracted to this beauty.
Position
Verbena is best grown in full sun.
Soil
When planted into the ground verbena prefers a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, ensure the plants is well watered then, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
Although somewhat drought tolerant, for best results water well in dry periods.
Feeding
For strong healthy roots and plants, apply monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from spring through to the end of autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Protecting
Avoid wetting foliage to reduce the risk of Mildew.
Spraying
Verbena can be affected by Powdery Mildew, spray with Kiwicare Super Sulphur as a preventative measure.
Pruning
Deadhead old flowers to encourage more to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water Verbena?
Water Verbena regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once established, it becomes more drought-tolerant and can handle less frequent watering.
Do I need to fertilise Verbena?
For strong healthy roots and plants, apply monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from spring through to the end of autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Is Verbena prone to any pests or diseases?
Verbena can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Regular inspection and appropriate treatments, like insecticidal soap or neem oil, can help manage these issues.
When is the best time to plant Verbena?
Plant Verbena in spring after the last frost. This allows the plant to establish itself before the hot summer months.
How can I propagate Verbena?
Verbena can be propagated through stem cuttings or by dividing mature plants. Take cuttings in late spring or early summer for best results.