Verbena bonariensis will be a great addition to your flower garden. This flowery plant is vigorous as well as easy to care. On top of that, the flowers are naturally beautiful and can be included in various garden setting.
If you are interested in growing this flower in your garden, you come to the right place.
The following information will tell you all about Verbena bonariensis, including its meaning, growing requirements, and caring guide.
Table of Contents
1. Facts and Description
In the botanical terms, Verbena bonariensis is synonymous with Verbena patagonica.
It also goes by several other names, including tall verbena, purple top vervain, and upright verbena.
Also, some flora enthusiasts entitle this flowery plant with the region or country names where it comes from, such as Brazilian Verbena, Argentinian Vervain, and South American Vervain.
Regardless of its different names, the characteristics of this flower is still the same.
It is one of the most common flowers that can be easily planted in the garden.
Verbena bonariensis has clusters of small purple flowers which grow on slender, delicate stems.
Meanwhile, the leaves grow sparsely on the stems with the shape of a lance.
The flower comes in different varieties. Most varieties of this flowery plant can grow up to 3-6 feet tall.
However, one of the newest varieties, namely lollipop verbena, has the optimum height of two feet.
For that reason, this variety is often selected by those who prefer shorter bush of flowers.
It is also a recommended variety to choose if you want to grow them in pots.
2. Meaning and Symbolism
The word ‘Verbena’ is derived from a Latin noun which means ‘sacred bough.’
In the Persian and Egyptian ancient civilizations, the plant family of Verbena bonariensis was used to adorn the priests’ wreaths.
Although this tradition is no longer maintained in the present times, the sacred and religious symbols of Verbena plant remain to exist.
Nowadays, the roots of Verbena flowers are often used as an addition to traditional medicine.
They are claimed to have a special ability that can cure headache as well as treat some diseases in the abdominal region.
3. Requirements to Grow
The first rule to have Verbena bonariensis in the garden is fulfilling the basic growing requirements.
Several elements that should be taken into account are soil, light, and temperature.
Read more : Phlox paniculata: How to Plant and Care for It
Soil Requirements
This plant can grow in different types of soil, such as clay, sand, loam, or chalk.
However, you need to opt for soil which is well-draining as well as rich in organic matters.
Verbena bonariensis will also grow better if the soil pH is in the range of slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0-6.8.
Light Requirements
In its early growing session, this flowery plant can thrive in partial shade. However, as the stem grows taller and the flowers start to bloom, Verbena bonariensis should be exposed under the full sun daily.
Temperature Requirements
Verbena bonariensis prefers to thrive in cold areas. It can even put up with a freezing temperature that drops between 0 to -17 degrees Celsius.
4. Caring for Verbena Bonariensis
In general, Verbena bonariensis doesn’t need any special care. The plant will remain to thrive even with no care at all.
Nevertheless, there are some important things you should do to make the flowers bloom better.
The following points are what you need to know regarding Verbena bonariensis care.
Watering
Verbena bonariensis has lower water needs compared to other tropical garden plants.
The plant is also drought tolerant, so you don’t need to water it too often. Watering with ample dose once a week should be more than enough.
Fertilizing
Verbena bonariensis doesn’t need supplemental fertilizer as long as you add compost to the soil before planting it.
Pruning
In the optimal growing conditions, Verbena bonariensis can reach up to the height of 3-5 feet.
When the plant grows taller, you may need to prune the top of old and dried flowers.
There are no special pruning tips you should know since the branching and deadheading this flowery plant is not that difficult.
However, please note that you should never prune the plants more than two times per season.
5. Advantages of Growing Verbena Bonariensis
There are several advantages of having Verbena bonariensis in your garden.
For starters, the plant itself is easy to find; Verbena bonariensis seeds are available to buy at nurseries or plant sales.
Moreover, this flowery plant is not only beautiful but also easy to grow in different setting and weather.
Caring the flowers doesn’t take a big effort as well. The flowers will have a longer period of blooming if you prune and deadhead them properly.
Another advantage of Verbena bonariensis is related to its versatility in the garden setting. This plant can be planted along with other garden plants.
It can be a great addition to create an aesthetic arrangement in the garden that resembles the setting of real wildlife.
When the flowers are in the full bloom, they will attract butterflies, bumblebees, hummingbirds, and other pollinator insects and birds to your garden.
6. Some Problems with Verbena Bonariensis
Despite the advantages that have been mentioned above, Verbena bonariensis is not necessarily far from troubles.
This flower is susceptible to whiteflies, spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew—types of harmful pests that can damage the flower heads.
Improper location can also cause the plant to lose a bit of its beauty. If you expose Verbena bonariensis in the area with high-force winds, the growing plant may bend slightly.
When this happens, it is quite difficult to stake the stems because of its delicate figures.
Now that you have enough information about Verbena bonariensis, you can visit the nearest nurseries to buy the seeds and plant them in the garden.
Bonus article : Lady Slipper Orchid: Facts, Growing, and How to Care
With the aim of enjoying the natural beauty of this flowery plant, remember the main principles of Verbena bonariensis grow and care guide.
Finding the most suitable planting area is an important thing to do. Also, treat the small flowers with proper care when they are starting to bloom.
In southern USA mildew is a problem not mentioned here. With tall variates planning in full sun makes no difference, it still gets mildew.