How to Grow Red Verbena
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Red Verbena
Verbena × hybrida
flowerRed Verbena is a vibrant flowering perennial often grown as an annual, known for its clusters of small, brilliant red blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It thrives in warm conditions and produces continuous flowers from late spring through fall. This low-maintenance plant is popular for borders, containers, and hanging baskets.
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Example Red Verbena timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Verbena
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Red Verbena blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Verbena dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 6-11 for perennial growth; zones 3-5 as annual
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with first true leaves emerging, very delicate
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright indirect light or grow lights. Thin seedlings to prevent damping off.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with multiple stems, no flowers yet
Pinch back growing tips at 3-4 inches to encourage branching. Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions if starting indoors.
Flowering
12-16 weeks (main season)Small red flower clusters (umbels) form at branch tips, plant becomes increasingly covered in blooms
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Feed every 2-3 weeks with balanced or slightly phosphorus-rich fertilizer.
Peak Bloom
6-8 weeks (or longer)Plant is abundantly covered in vibrant red flower clusters from mid-summer through fall
Maintain regular deadheading. Water during dry spells. Monitor for spider mites in hot weather.
Decline/Dormancy
Variable by zoneIn colder zones, plants slow flowering and decline with fall/winter frost; in warmer zones, may remain semi-dormant or flower year-round
In perennial zones, cut back after frost or lightly prune in late winter. In annual zones, deadhead or let go to seed if desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe. Increase humidity slightly. Avoid excessive heat stress.
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Ensure good air circulation. Avoid wetting foliage. Apply sulfur or neem oil at first sign. Remove infected leaves.
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Yellow sticky traps. Insecticidal soap. Strong water spray to dislodge.
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Spray with strong water stream. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Ensure excellent drainage. Do not overwater. Remove and discard severely affected plants. Improve air circulation.
Uses
Butterfly & Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeRed Verbena flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and native bees throughout the growing season, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and supporting beneficial insects. [source]
Ornamental Edible Flowers
CulinaryWhile not commonly used, Verbena flowers are edible with a slightly lemony flavor and can garnish salads, desserts, or beverages for visual appeal. [source]
Traditional Herbal Tea
MedicinalIn traditional herbalism, Verbena (especially Verbena officinalis) has been brewed into tea and used to support respiratory and digestive health, though medicinal efficacy varies. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdRed Verbena makes excellent fresh-cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements, lasting 5-7 days in water and adding vibrant color with minimal maintenance. [source]
Garden Design & Landscaping
CraftPopular for borders, rock gardens, containers, hanging baskets, and xeriscaping due to its drought tolerance, compact growth, and long blooming season. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Verbena is grown for ornamental flowers, not harvested in the traditional sense. Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly by pinching off at the base or just below the spent blooms—this encourages more flowering and extends the blooming season through fall. Flowers can be cut for fresh arrangements; cut in morning when fully open.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Verbena is actually a hybrid (Verbena × hybrida) created by crossing multiple Verbena species, resulting in more compact plants with larger flower clusters than wild species.
- 🌱 Deadheading verbena is so effective at prolonging blooms that well-maintained plants can flower continuously for 4-5 months, making them among the longest-blooming garden flowers.
- 🌱 The name 'Verbena' comes from Latin and was used by ancient Romans who believed the plant had sacred healing properties; it was called 'tears of Isis' in Egyptian mythology.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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