Verbena is an easy to grow plant that is low maintenance and drought tolerant once established. When you receive your plants you should move them in to their final positions as soon as possible. If you cannot plant immediately, ensure your plants are watered and keep them moist and in a cool and bright space until planting is possible.

Position

Verbenas are true sun lovers and as such should be positioned to take advantage of this. Verbenas work particularly when planted in drifts, with tall grasses or interspersed in beds and borders.

Soil

Verbena will grow well on most soils and reliably seeds itself around if you allow it. To get the best from your plants you should grow plants in a soil that is fertile, well-drained and moisture retentive. You can improve all soils with the addition of organic matter, such as well-rotted garden compost or multi-purpose compost and an application of general plant fertilizer or liquid seaweed feed during the growing season and after flowering will help to promote strong and healthy plant growth.  

Care

Verbenas are low maintenance plants and as such they will need little attention once planted. Water plants well after planting to ensure they do not dry out completely. Irrigation systems are available and will help to ensure that plants are well watered. The addition of surface mulch in spring will help aid growth, conserve water and keep roots moist throughout summer and well-rotted garden compost or multi-purpose compost will work well. 

Top tip

Resist cutting plants back in Autumn as this can reduce plant vigor in the year ahead. As an alternative leave plant stems intact until Spring and remove at this point and add stems to compost bins. It is also advisable to add a dry mulch around plants to protect plants from frost.