Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)

from $8.00

This native perennial is easily recognized by its unique branching flower spikes that resemble a multi-armed candelabra. Tiny, vibrant violet-blue flowers bloom in succession from the bottom up in the July heat. Unlike many garden perennials that shy away from "wet feet," Verbena hastata thrives in moist-to-wet soils, making it an invaluable choice for rain gardens, pond edges, or that low-lying corner of the yard where other plants struggle.

Plant Profile

  • Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade

  • Water Needs Moderate to High; standing water is not tolerated, but it prefers consistently moist soil.

  • Soil Type Moist to wet; Can tolerate Muck, Clay, Loam or Sand.

  • Mature Height 4 - 6 feet

  • Deer Resistance Moderate to High

  • Bloom Time July – September

  • Bloom Color ‍ ‍ Blue

  • Plant Spacing 18 – 24 inches

Plant Characteristics

  • Vertical Interest: Its tall, slender habit adds height without adding bulk, allowing it to weave beautifully between other plants.

  • Naturalizes Easily: A biennial plant that is a wonderful self-seeder. It also will slowly spread through rhizomes allowing it to fill in gaps over time, but it will not compete well with more aggressive vegetation.

  • Color: The violet-blue flower spikes can bloom for up to 2 months.

Wildlife Benefits

  • Butterfly Magnet: A vital nectar source for a wide array of butterflies, including Swallowtails, Fritillaries, and Skippers.

  • Native Bee Support: Blue vervain attracts a variety of different native bees.

  • Songbird Food: In the fall, the slender spikes produce tiny seeds that are a favorite for finches, and sparrows.

Pro Tip: Because Blue Vervain grows quite tall and narrow, plant it in clusters of three or more. This creates a stunning "haze" of purple-blue color that is much more impactful than a single specimen, and it provides extra support for the stems in windy areas.

Size:

This native perennial is easily recognized by its unique branching flower spikes that resemble a multi-armed candelabra. Tiny, vibrant violet-blue flowers bloom in succession from the bottom up in the July heat. Unlike many garden perennials that shy away from "wet feet," Verbena hastata thrives in moist-to-wet soils, making it an invaluable choice for rain gardens, pond edges, or that low-lying corner of the yard where other plants struggle.

Plant Profile

  • Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade

  • Water Needs Moderate to High; standing water is not tolerated, but it prefers consistently moist soil.

  • Soil Type Moist to wet; Can tolerate Muck, Clay, Loam or Sand.

  • Mature Height 4 - 6 feet

  • Deer Resistance Moderate to High

  • Bloom Time July – September

  • Bloom Color ‍ ‍ Blue

  • Plant Spacing 18 – 24 inches

Plant Characteristics

  • Vertical Interest: Its tall, slender habit adds height without adding bulk, allowing it to weave beautifully between other plants.

  • Naturalizes Easily: A biennial plant that is a wonderful self-seeder. It also will slowly spread through rhizomes allowing it to fill in gaps over time, but it will not compete well with more aggressive vegetation.

  • Color: The violet-blue flower spikes can bloom for up to 2 months.

Wildlife Benefits

  • Butterfly Magnet: A vital nectar source for a wide array of butterflies, including Swallowtails, Fritillaries, and Skippers.

  • Native Bee Support: Blue vervain attracts a variety of different native bees.

  • Songbird Food: In the fall, the slender spikes produce tiny seeds that are a favorite for finches, and sparrows.

Pro Tip: Because Blue Vervain grows quite tall and narrow, plant it in clusters of three or more. This creates a stunning "haze" of purple-blue color that is much more impactful than a single specimen, and it provides extra support for the stems in windy areas.