Blue Vervain Verbena (Verbena hastata) is a native wildflower that brings structure and pollinator magnetism to sunny gardens across hardiness zones 3 and colder. Rising 3 to 6 feet tall with narrow, lance-shaped foliage, this perennial produces distinctive spikes of small blue or purple flowers throughout summer, blooming reliably from June through August. Deer leave it untouched, and butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds flock to its nectar-rich blooms, making it as valuable to wildlife as it is beautiful in the landscape.
1
Full Sun
High
3-3
72in H x 30in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
Blue Vervain thrives in full sun and moist soil, reaching heights that make it a natural backbone plant for mixed borders and pollinator gardens. Its tall, airy flower spikes create a soft, naturalistic effect quite different from the dense mounding habits of many common verbenas. The wildlife magnetism is serious; this plant works harder than ornamentals twice its size to feed the insects that sustain your whole garden ecosystem.
Blue Vervain functions primarily as an ornamental flowering plant and pollinator magnet in garden settings. Its tall spikes of blue-purple flowers are valued for adding vertical interest and natural texture to mixed borders, cottage gardens, and native plant landscapes. The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it equally useful in wildlife gardens and ecological restoration plantings.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Stratify seeds for 30 days by mixing them with damp clean sand or vermiculite, placing them in a sealed bag, and refrigerating at 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Check frequently for germination and keep the medium lightly moist throughout the chilling period. Transplant seedlings as soon as they germinate. After stratification, sow into seed trays indoors and expect germination within 14 to 60 days. Seeds require light to germinate, so cover only lightly or leave uncovered.
Transplant hardened-off seedlings outdoors after the last frost date in spring, once soil has warmed and nighttime temperatures remain above freezing. Space plants 1 inch apart.
Direct sow seeds in fall or earliest spring, or use the winter sowing method by sowing into containers outdoors. Seeds need light to germinate, so press them onto the soil surface or cover very lightly.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.