About Verbena
A spreading, low-growing perennial producing dense clusters of small, vibrant flowers in jewel-tone colors — deep purple, magenta, red, pink, white, and bicolors. The tightly packed flower clusters sit atop dark green, toothed leaves and bloom continuously from the start of dry season through the rains. Its trailing habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, ground cover, and container edges where it can cascade gracefully. Verbena belongs to the Verbenaceae family and originates from South America (hybrid origin from several Brazilian and Argentine species); cultivated worldwide..
Verbena is growing in popularity among Filipino gardeners, especially for container and hanging basket displays on condo balconies and small patios. It performs best during the dry cool season (November-February) in lowland areas but can persist year-round with good care. Heat-tolerant varieties like the Lanai Series are better suited to Philippine conditions. Available as potted plants at major garden centers, SM garden sections, and from online sellers. Verbena bonariensis (tall verbena) is increasingly used by Filipino landscape designers for a contemporary, naturalistic garden look. The plant is related to the Lantana family and shares its toughness and butterfly-attracting qualities.
Also known as: Vervain, Garden Verbena.
Popular Varieties
- Verbena × hybrida Obsession Series (compact, mounding, wide color range)
- Verbena × hybrida Superbena Series (vigorous trailing, excellent for hanging baskets)
- Verbena × hybrida Lanai Series (heat-tolerant trailing variety, good for tropics)
- Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena — 1.2 m tall, airy purple flowers, great for backgrounds)
How to Plant Verbena in the Philippines
Verbena can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds. The recommended method is stem cuttings (faster and more reliable than seeds).
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Take 8-10 cm tip cuttings from non-flowering stems.
- Step 2: Remove lower leaves and pinch off any flower buds.
- Step 3: Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist perlite or potting mix.
- Step 4: Keep in bright shade and maintain moisture — roots develop in 2-3 weeks.
- Step 5: For seeds: sow on surface, barely covered. Seeds are erratic — pre-chill in refrigerator for 2 weeks to improve germination.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun (6-8 hours direct sunlight for best flowering and compact growth). Position your verbena where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water when top of soil feels dry — about 2-3 times per week. Drought-tolerant once established but flowers best with regular moisture. Avoid overhead watering. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 22-32°C (performs well in Philippine lowlands during dry season; may struggle in extreme heat above 35°C). Low to moderate preferred — high humidity can promote powdery mildew The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing verbena outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Feed with balanced slow-release fertilizer (14-14-14) every 6-8 weeks, or liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks during peak blooming.
Pruning
Trim back by one-third when flowering slows to encourage a fresh flush of blooms. Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly for continuous flowering.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to pets. Mildly irritating if large quantities are ingested.
Common Problems & Solutions
Powdery mildew (white coating on leaves)
Cause: High humidity, poor air circulation, overhead watering
Solution: Improve spacing and airflow. Water at soil level. Apply fungicide or baking soda spray. Choose mildew-resistant varieties.
Spider mites (fine webbing, stippled leaves)
Cause: Hot, dry conditions
Solution: Spray plants with strong water jet to dislodge mites. Apply neem oil or miticide. Increase humidity around plants.
Leggy growth with few flowers
Cause: Insufficient sunlight
Solution: Move to full sun location. Prune back to encourage compact regrowth.
Root rot
Cause: Waterlogged soil or poor drainage
Solution: Improve drainage — add perlite or coarse sand to soil mix. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Verbena in the Philippines?
Verbena needs full sun (6-8 hours direct sunlight for best flowering and compact growth). Water when top of soil feels dry — about 2-3 times per week. drought-tolerant once established but flowers best with regular moisture. avoid overhead watering.. Feed with with balanced slow-release fertilizer (14-14-14) every 6-8 weeks, or liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks during peak blooming.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 22-32°C (performs well in Philippine lowlands during dry season; may struggle in extreme heat above 35°C) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Verbena?
The recommended method is stem cuttings (faster and more reliable than seeds). Take 8-10 cm tip cuttings from non-flowering stems. Remove lower leaves and pinch off any flower buds.
Is Verbena toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic to pets. Mildly irritating if large quantities are ingested.
Can Verbena grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Verbena grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Verbena?
Common issues include: Powdery mildew (white coating on leaves) (caused by high humidity, poor air circulation, overhead watering — improve spacing and airflow. water at soil level. apply fungicide or baking soda spray. choose mildew-resistant varieties); Spider mites (fine webbing, stippled leaves) (caused by hot, dry conditions — spray plants with strong water jet to dislodge mites. apply neem oil or miticide. increase humidity around plants); Leggy growth with few flowers (caused by insufficient sunlight — move to full sun location. prune back to encourage compact regrowth).
Growing verbena in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!