Verbena officinalis
TAXONOMY
FamilyVerbenaceae
GenusVerbena
Zone5
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Verbena officinalis, commonly known as common vervain or simpler's joy, is a perennial herb in the family Verbenaceae. It is native to Europe but has been naturalized in many temperate regions around the world. The plant is known for its small, delicate purple flowers and has been used historically in herbal medicine. It typically enters a dormancy period during the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Common Vervain
Verbena ×adulterina
Verbena officinalis subsp. officinalis
Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora
Verbena officinalis var. prostrata
Verbena officinalis var. ramosa
Verbena officinalis var. spuria
Verbena spicata
Verbena urticifolia var. riparia
Vitex adulterina
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
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DETAILS
Care Instructions
Verbena officinalis thrives in bright, direct sunlight and prefers moderate temperatures. It should be watered when the soil partially dries out, and it benefits from moderate humidity levels. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.Soil
This plant prefers well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, so a soil mix that includes sand or perlite can be beneficial.Fertilizer
Verbena officinalis benefits from a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-5. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth and flowering.Repotting
Repot Verbena officinalis every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current container. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage. Repotting is best done in the spring.Propagation
Verbena officinalis can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seed propagation is best done in early spring, while cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer. Ensure the cuttings have at least two sets of leaves and plant them in a well-draining soil mix.Pruning
Pruning is essential for Verbena officinalis to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Prune the plant in early spring before new growth begins and remove any dead or damaged stems. Regular deadheading of spent flowers will also promote continuous blooming.Toxicity
Verbena officinalis is not toxic to pets or humans. However, it is always advisable to keep plants out of reach of pets and children to prevent any accidental ingestion.Additional
Verbena officinalis is known for its medicinal properties and has been used traditionally to treat various ailments. It is also a great plant for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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