Blue vervain - Verbena hastata (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Blue vervain

Also known as: Swamp verbena, American blue vervain, Ironweed, Simpler's joy

This wildflower grows in prairies across the US and Canada. It attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, and provides a home for Common Buckeye caterpillars. Blue vervain has been used in traditional medicines in a variety of cultures but has been found by modern science to have negative effects on the human body under some conditions.

Scientific classification

Species

Blue vervain (Verbena hastata)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Perennial, Biennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Mid summer, Mid fall, Late winter

Harvest Time

91 cm to 1.8 m

Plant Height

60 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Red, Copper, Burgundy

Fruit Color

Purple, Blue, Violet, White, Pink, Lavender

Flower Color

Green, Red, Purple

Stem Color

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Blue vervain

Distribution of Blue vervain

Distribution Map

Blue vervain, naturally flourishing in North America, has expanded its reach into parts of Europe and the Caribbean. In its native range, this hardy perennial thrives in various habitats, from moist environments to roadsides. As a cultivated species, blue vervain is now found beyond its indigenous locations, adapting to and integrating with foreign ecosystems.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Swales, damp thickets, shores

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

A water-loving flowering perennial chosen by gardeners for its beauty, hardiness, and ability to grow in waterlogged areas, blue vervain is a natural choice for rain gardens or any sunny, boggy spot in your garden. It looks great in meadow gardens, and is often used as a border plant.

Symbolism

Enchantment

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Quickly Identify Blue vervain

Square stems, 0.1-0.2 inches (2.5-5 mm) diameter, with white appressed hairs for texture.

Lance-shaped leaves, opposite pairs, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long, 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.

Tubular, violet-blue flowers in panicles, 0.6 cm wide, with fused petals creating flared mouth.

Nutlets with persistent calyx, reddish-brown, triangular-convex, small in size.

6-inch (15 cm) panicles, blue-violet corolla divided into 5 lobes, candelabra-like appearance.

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Care Guide for Blue vervain

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Blue vervain thrives in consistently moist environments, preferring full sun and damp soils. It is moderately drought-tolerant but optimal growth occurs with weekly watering. The species requires additional irrigation during dry spells, as its growth season depends significantly on water availability.

Fertilize: For blue vervain, use a balanced nutrition fertilizer with equal NPK ratios, applied monthly during the growing season. This supports growth and bloom proliferation, but avoid overfertilization. Adjust for plant size and winter needs, following product instructions for safety and optimal health.

Pruning: Blue vervain is a hardy perennial with tall spikes of blue-violet flowers. Prune in early to late spring to encourage growth and improve air circulation. Trim dead stems and thin crowded areas to maintain vigor, enhancing health and aesthetics while preventing diseases.

Propagation: Blue vervain is a perennial herb thriving in gardens, known for its violet flower spires. Propagation through cuttings requires clean tools and well-draining soil to encourage healthy root development, ensuring successful establishment as a pollinator-friendly plant.

Repotting: Blue vervain thrives with repotting every 2-3 years in early spring. Opt for a medium-sized pot 1-2 inches larger to accommodate growth. Post-repotting, maintain moist soil and provide partial sun for recovery, as blue vervain has a manageable root system that limits repotting frequency.

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Images of Blue vervain

Distribution of Blue vervain

Culture

Quickly Identify Blue vervain

Care Guide for Blue vervain

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