Brazilian Verbena Care

About

• Brazilian verbena, or Verbena bonariensis, is mentioned by Linnaeus, a botanical taxonomist, as early as 1761. It’s often called “verbena on a stick” because clusters of small lavender flowers are held high above a basal foliage rosette on tall, airy stems. Growing 4 to 5 feet tall, Brazilian verbena is native to South America, originally discovered in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Its upright growth habit differs from its North American verbena cousins, which are primarily ground-hugging and trailing plants.

Site and Soil

• Brazilian verbena performs best in full sun and fairly dry soil with adequate air circulation around plants. Locating plants at the back of the border or along a fence allows its height to showcase shorter plants in the front. Brazilian verbena is not particular about soil type, but is intolerant of winter-wet soils.

Water and Fertilizer

• Once established, Brazilian verbena is very drought-tolerant. Water it once weekly to a depth of 1 inch in the absence of rainfall, and avoid overhead watering. Spread 3 to 4 inches of finely shredded pine bark or compost along with 12-6-6 slow-release fertilizer, and work it into the soil at a depth of 8 to 12 inches. In sandy soils or soils depleted of organic matter, plants may need additional fertilization later in the season.

Seeds

• For many gardeners, caring for their plants includes collecting and sowing seeds for more flowers the following season. Brazilian verbena is considered an annual or a short-lived re-seeding perennial. Collect the seeds in autumn, when flowers fade and turn brown. Crumbling the clusters will release very small beige seeds. Sow them directly where you want plants to grow the following year for two reasons: Starting indoors is difficult, and many do not survive transplanting. Scatter seeds over the soil surface, and do not cover.