Verbena comprises a wide range of flowering plants, often seen gracing cottage gardens. Known for their vivid pink and purple hues, these plants are also favorites among pollinators. With a long blooming season from spring through fall, they are a delight in any garden.

If you're eager to cultivate verbena, the vast selection of varieties might feel overwhelming. For instance, V. bonariensis produces flat clusters of flowers, while V. hastata showcases striking flower spikes that add structural interest. Regardless of the space you want to fill in your garden, there's a suitable verbena variety for everything, including containers.

To assist you in selecting the perfect type for your backyard design, our team has curated a list of our favorite verbena varieties. We'll also provide tips on how to grow them, making it easier for you to incorporate these beautiful plants into your garden.

Verbena bonariensis flowers

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5 Gorgeous Verbena Varieties

It's crucial to consider factors like your US hardiness zone and your desired outcome when exploring verbena options.

If you're aiming for a taller plant for cut flowers, look for a variety with long stems. Conversely, if you need a low-growing option for ground cover, there are plenty of choices. Some verbena types thrive as perennials, while others perform best as annuals.

1. V. officinalis var. grandiflora 'Bampton'

Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora 'Bampton'

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This variety is ideal for those with a south-facing yard since V. officinalis var. grandiflora 'Bampton' thrives in sunlight.

It's a long-blooming, sun-loving choice that flowers throughout much of summer, featuring attractive purple-tinged leaves that enhance borders and pots.

With its slender stems and dark green leaves, this variety adds sophistication to naturalistic or cottage-style gardens.

'Bampton' is also drought-tolerant once established, thriving in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.

You can use this soil test kit from Amazon to analyze your yard's soil.

2. V. tenuisecta

Verbena tenuisecta

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  • Typically perennial, but often grown as an annual in colder regions
  • Hardiness: US hardiness zone 7 to zone 11
  • Best for: Ground cover

This variety is perfect if you seek a colorful fast-growing ground cover to enliven your garden.

While pink moss verbena is shown here, it also blooms in white and purple. A moss verbena seed mix from Amazon offers a vibrant color assortment.

This plant is appreciated for its fern-like leaves and partial shade tolerance, though it thrives best in sunny spots.

While it adapts to poor soil, it does not fare well in heavy, damp clay. Once established, it showcases drought resistance and is suitable for xeriscaping.

3. V. bonariensis 'Lollipop'

Verbena bonariensis 'Lollipop'

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  • Perennial
  • Hardiness: US hardiness zone 7 to zone 11
  • Best for: Filling spaces in borders

If you need filler plants for your borders, consider the compact V. bonariensis 'Lollipop.'

This variety is a key element in my garden, providing fullness to deep borders. 'Lollipop' helps create a lush appearance,' shares a gardening expert.

With a height of 18–24 inches and a spread of about 18 inches, it forms a lovely mound of lavender flowers.

It's also a favorite for pollinators and will continue blooming from spring until frost if you regularly deadhead during the season.

Essential pruning tools, like these pruning shears from Amazon, will be helpful for maintenance.

Find V. bonariensis seeds on Amazon.

4. V. hastata f. rosea

verbena hastata

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  • Perennial
  • Hardiness: US hardiness zone 3 to zone 8
  • Best for: Late-season blooms

V. hastata, known as blue vervain (seeds available on Amazon), has a pink variant called f. rosea, featuring tall flower spikes ideal for adding height to your borders.

This is a fantastic choice for late summer color, blooming into September and boasting lance-shaped, toothed green leaves that offer visual interest.

Unlike many other varieties, V. hastata prefers consistently moist soil; drought can hinder its blooming. A bloom booster can help revive it if needed.

This is a great option for attracting butterflies and bees, and it fits well in wildflower meadows.

5. V. x hybrida Lanai 'Candy Cane'

verbena lanai candy cane

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  • Annual
  • Hardiness: US hardiness zone 8 to zone 11
  • Best for: Hanging baskets

This delightful hybrid variety is perfect for those who want abundant blooms and garden vigor. Its candy stripe pattern makes it a standout choice for a vibrant summer display.

Growing to a height and spread of 6–10x18–24 inches with a trailing growth habit, it's perfect for hanging baskets and container gardens.

This variety resists powdery mildew and is relatively low-maintenance. It will continue to bloom until fall, allowing you to plant and enjoy a beautiful display throughout the summer.

Just remember to water it as needed, though it becomes more drought-resistant once established.

Paired with coco coir hanging baskets (from Amazon), this verbena will surely impress your guests.