Species verbena
light-purple flowers with yellow center, dark-purple buds, dark-green leaves and stems

verbena

Verbena 'Sterling Star'

Verbena 'Sterling Star' is a perennial shrub grown for its attractive foliage and flowers. This plant features vibrant, star-shaped pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in the summer and contrast nicely with its deep green foliage. It is hardy and drought tolerant, making it a good choice for brighter areas of a garden. It is able to thrive in many conditions with little need for maintenance, and can even tolerate a bit of frost. If given enough sun and water, it is sure to fill any garden with lasting beauty.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation,Stem Propagation,Root Cutting,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

8 - 10

Flowers:

Light lavender blue Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Verbena 'Sterling Star' should be watered deeply and regularly to promote strong root growth. Avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot. Aim to water the soil deeply and evenly—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week—once the top inch (2 cm) is dry. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. In hot, sunny weather, Verbena 'Sterling Star' may require more frequent watering.

sunlight

Verbena 'Sterling Star' requires full sun for 6-8 hours a day for optimal growth, flowering, and longevity. For best results, plant this species in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day; northern or western exposures are ideal. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that during the middle of summer the sun is at its strongest and it may be necessary to provide additional shade or protection to avoid sun damage.

pruning

Verbena 'Sterling Star' should be pruned once a year. Pruning helps maintain the shape and size by cutting away damaged, dead, or diseased growth and encouraging new, healthy growth. When pruning Verbena 'Sterling Star', aim to remove 1/3 of the plant's growth in early spring, before new growth appears. Start by removing any dead or diseased growth, then trim the plant back by cutting at spots just above a node where new branches can be encouraged. Pruning at this time also helps ensure the plant blooms regularly throughout the season.

Season

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

Verbena 'Sterling Star' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Verbena 'Sterling Star' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is Verbena a perennial or an annual plant?

Verbena is generally considered a perennial plant, meaning that it will bloom and grow for multiple seasons. It grows in many different climates and conditions, meaning that depending on your region, it may come back each year, or it may need to be replanted annually.

Are Verbena flowers easy to grow from seed?

Verbena flowers are easy to grow from seed. They grow best when planted in full sun and in well-draining soils. If you are growing them indoors, sow seeds indoors or in poxy greenhouses 6-8 weeks before the last frost. When sowing directly into the garden, sow the seeds when warm soil temperatures have been reached.Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. The seeds should germinate in 10-21 days depending on the variety. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they have around two sets of leaves.

Should Verbena plants be grown in pots or on the ground?

Verbena plants can be grown both in pots and directly in the ground. Growing Verbena in pots can be a good option if you want to move it around your yard or patio, or if you have limited outdoor space to work with. On the other hand, planting Verbena directly in the ground will provide a more stable environment and the roots can develop more easily. Make sure that when planting in the ground, the Verbena should have good drainage and is in an area with full sun; otherwise, it can struggle to survive.

Could Verbena plants be grown indoors?

Yes, Verbena plants can be grown indoors. They are a low maintenance plant, needing only minimal watering and indirect sunlight to survive. They can also easily be adapted to a range of temperatures and humidity making them perfect for growth in many types of homes. Verbena plants are also known to produce their flowery smell when they bloom, making them great air-purifying plants to keep indoors.

Should Verbena be deadheaded?

Yes, verbena should be deadheaded. Deadheading is the process of cutting off the flower heads of certain plants after the blooms have faded. When deadheaded, the plant produces new blooms and becomes bushier, resulting in a fuller and more attractive appearance. This can be done with a pair of scissors or other sharp instrument. Doing this throughout the growing season will keep the verbena looking attractive and help it to rebloom. Deadheading also helps to keep the plant healthy and can help improve its vigor.

Could Verbena be used in a wildflower garden?

Yes, verbena can be used in a wildflower garden. Often referred to as butterfly and hummingbird plants, verbena are a low-maintenance annual flower that can bring beautiful color and texture to the garden. Sinuous vines produce tiny flowers in bright colors, including pink, purple, lavender and white, making it a great option for adding contrast in a wildflower garden. Verbena can tolerate full sun to part shade and can handle both wet and dry soil, making it an easy-care addition to any wildflower garden.

Could Verbena be grown in a meadow garden?

Yes, Verbena can be grown in a meadow garden. With its bright purple or white flowers, it can add a splash of color to an otherwise green landscape. Verbena is a low-maintenance plant that requires plenty of sun and well-drained soil. It will thrive in a meadow garden and should be grown in clumps of two or three to create a robust and attractive display of color.

Should Verbena be mulched?

Yes, Verbena should be mulched. Mulching Verbena helps to control weeds and retain moisture in the soil. It also helps keep the soil temperature regulated and can add beneficial organic matter to the soil when organic materials are used as mulches. Additionally, mulching Verbena can help improve the soil structure and soil fertility. Mulching can also protect the plant from extreme temperatures and help reduce soil erosion. All of these benefits make mulching Verbena an ideal choice for providing a healthy environment for Verbena to thrive and produce flowers year- round.