Species American blue vervain

American blue vervain

Verbena hastata

American blue vervain is an erect, upright perennial that can reach up to 2–4ft in height. It has pointed, toothed, lance-shaped leaves and is entirely covered in tiny, light-blue flowers. American blue vervain is known for its medicinal properties and has long been used in Native American folk medicine. It is a natural sedative and an effective remedy for colds and headaches. The plant can easily be grown in gardens but prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It can also become weedy or invasive, so keep an eye on it and deadhead spent flowers to ensure the plant remains in check.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Purplish-blue Flowers

Sun:

Full sun Partial sun

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Clay Humus

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

bronze,green,purple

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

For American blue vervain, water deeply but infrequently. To promote strong growth and good flowering, water the plants about once a week during the growing season (April through September). Be sure to water the soil around the roots sufficiently and avoid splashing water onto the foliage to reduce the risk of disease. During the winter months, water the plant about every other week. If the soil has not become completely dry between waterings, reduce the frequency. When watering, avoid waterlogging the soil to prevent root rot.

sunlight

American blue vervain needs plenty of direct sunlight to thrive and bloom its best. It grows best in full sun, although it can tolerate light shade. During the summer months, it should be exposed to sunshine for 6 to 8 hours each day, but during the winter, it should receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight. American blue vervain does best in spring and summer, when the days are longer and the sun is hotter. To ensure a healthy and vigorous growth, place the plant in a part of the garden that gets at least 6 hours of full sun each day.

pruning

American blue vervain is a flowering plant species that should be pruned lightly after blooming, ideally in late summer or early fall. This late pruning will give the plant time to store energy for the following year. Avoid pruning the stems of the American blue vervain too close to the ground as this will prevent it from flowering the next year. To prune the American blue vervain, use a pair of garden shears to cut off the flowering stems, down to the base of the plant. It is important to only take off the old and dead stems from the plant. This will encourage more vigorous growth in the upcoming season. Remove any seed heads to promote healthy, thick foliage and flowering. When pruning your American blue vervain, keep in mind that pruning too much can harm the plant. Pruning the lowest part of the stem, near the ground surface, should be avoided. The American blue vervain also benefits from removing any stems that rub against 1 another, as this can cause damage or disease over time.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Verbena hastata typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

American blue vervain typically starts flowering in June.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Verbena hastata typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map