Verbena Plant Species
- Moss verbena, (Verbena tenuisecta) grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches and a width of 3 to 6 feet. Purple, white or plum flowers are most plentiful in spring, and the plant is hardy to 15 degrees F. This plant also goes by the name fine-leaf verbena. An alternate botanical name for this same plant is Verbena pulchella.
- Fragrant heliotrope (Verbena corymbosa) grows 8 inches tall and spreads to 4 feet. Violet blue flower clusters have a lovely scent.
- Purpletop verbena (Verbena bonariensis) is taller than most other species. It grows to a height of 4 to 6 feet and a width of 1 to 3 feet. Purple flower heads grow on long stems above the lower foliage, giving an airy effect.
- Peruvian verbena (Verbena peruviana) has a very flat growth habit that stays below 1 foot in height. This plant spreads rapidly to 3 feet in width. Flowers are red, pink, lavender and white.
- Homestead purple verbena (Verbena canadensis 'Homestead') was introduced in the early 1990s by the University of Arkansas. Purple flowers are grow abundantly on a vigorous 12-inch high plant.
- Sandpaper verbena (Verbena rigida) grows to a height of 12 to 24 inches. Erect stems bear deep purple flower spikes. This plant is also known as tuberous vervain.