How to Root Verbena Cuttings

Cut a 2- to 4-inch stem from a healthy verbena stem in spring or summer while growth is mature but still tender. To cut the stems, use clean sharp pruners or knife.

Remove buds or blooms, then pull the leaves from the lower half of the verbena stem. Dip the cut end of the stem in liquid or powdered plant hormone.

Plant the bare half of the verbena stem in a pot filled with commercial potting mix or a mixture of half perlite and half vermiculite. Plant several stems in the pot in case some of the stems don't root, but don't allow the leaves to touch.

Water the potting mixture lightly, then cover the pot with a clear plastic bag. Place a wooden craft stick or straw in the pot to hold the plastic above the leaves. Secure the plastic with a rubber band, as the plastic will maintain a warm, humid atmosphere for rooting.

Place the pot in a warm spot where the cuttings are exposed to moderate light but not direct, bright sunlight. Check the cuttings daily and water if the potting mix becomes dry.

Tug on the stems after about a month. A gentle tug will reveal whether the verbena has rooted, as a rooted cutting will offer resistance to your tug. If the stems have rooted, remove the plastic and transplant each verbena into a small container. If the verbena hasn't rooted, replace the plastic and check the stems again in two weeks.

Move the verbena into bright sunlight. Continue to keep the potting mix lightly moist, but not soggy, until spring. Plant the verbena outdoors when the weather warms and all danger of frost has passed.