garden
Verbena
Verbena polystachya
Overview
A versatile genus that includes both the low, spreading ornamentals that blanket gardens in color and the upright, lemon-scented species used in herbal tea. Garden verbena produces clusters of flowers in every color, blooming prolifically from spring through frost with minimal care. Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is the fragrant culinary species — they are different plants despite sharing a name.
Growing Conditions
Hardiness Zones4 — 8
Height0.97m
Spread0.57m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH5.5 — 7.5
Soil TypeWell-drained, average to lean soil; drought-tolerant
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost; seeds need darkness |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Transplant after all frost danger; grow as annual |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Blooms continuously until frost; trim to shape |
| Cool (3-4) | Start Indoors | Jan — Feb | Start indoors early; slow to germinate |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | May — May | Transplant after last frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jun — Oct | Deadhead for continuous bloom; attracts butterflies |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Apr — May | Transplant in spring; excellent in containers and borders |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | May — Nov | Long bloom season; shear back if leggy |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Transplant in spring; some types perennial in zone 8+ |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Apr — Nov | Blooms nearly year-round; may pause in peak heat |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in late winter; heat and drought tolerant |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Feb — Dec | Nearly year-round bloom; heat tolerant |
Uses
Other Uses
- Profuse, long-blooming ground cover and container plant
- Heat and drought tolerant annual
- Butterfly and pollinator attractor
