How to Care for a Blue Vervain Plant

Blue vervain (Verbena hastata) is a perennial herb that can grow quite tall -- up to 7 feet. Small lavender-blue flowers adorn the tops of long green or purple stems when this plant is in bloom. Blue vervain grows wild in many eastern states, but gardeners nearly anywhere in the U.S. can incorporate this plant into the garden. Blue vervain prefers full sunlight and soils with excellent drainage. As long as the plant has these features, it will usually do well with little maintenance.

16-4-8 fertilizer
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Keep the area around blue vervain plants free of decaying plant debris and other matter that could promote fungus. Pull weeds and other unwanted plants from the area to promote air flow around the plants. Thin out blue vervain plants if they are growing close enough to touch each other.
- 2
  Water blue vervain enough to prevent wilting, but do not let the soil get soggy. Soggy soil promotes root rot and blight.
- 3
  Apply fertilizer when blue vervain comes out of dormancy in the spring and once after you prune. Clemson Cooperative Extension recommends using 16-4-8 fertilizer for this plant.
- 4
  Prune blue vervain in the summer if it is growing too tall for your preference. If you prune as the plant is finishing blooming, often it will reward you with even more blooms. Prune old growth and dead areas of the plants in early spring. Use sharp garden shears, and always cut at a slight angle to promote good growth.

How to Grow Roman Chamomile

My Rosemary Is Drying Up & Dying

Growing Herbs