Vervain (common verbena) Verbena officinalis
Vervain (common verbena) (Verbena officinalis) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Verbenaceae family, native to Europe, North Africa and western and central Asia (and China). It grows 30–80 cm (12–31 in) tall and 30–45 cm (12–18 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 35 cm (14 in) apart.
Plan Vervain (common verbena) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Vervain (common verbena) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Mature height | 30–80 cm (12–31 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–45 cm (12–18 in) |
| Spacing | 35 cm (14 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (herbal tea) |
| Native to | Europe, North Africa and western and central Asia (and China) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇵🇱 Poland |
Is Vervain (common verbena) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not reported as poisonous in normal use; avoid in pregnancy.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Vervain (common verbena)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Vervain (common verbena)
- How far apart should I plant Vervain (common verbena)?
- About 35 cm (14 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–45 cm (12–18 in).
- Does Vervain (common verbena) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Vervain (common verbena) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Vervain (common verbena)?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Vervain (common verbena) flower?
- From about June for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Vervain (common verbena) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not reported as poisonous in normal use; avoid in pregnancy.
- What grows well with Vervain (common verbena)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Vervain (common verbena). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Herbal monographs (European Union herbal monographs and assessment reports), European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products
- Wildflowers and meadows, Plantlife (UK)
Notes and assumptions
- Wiry, branched stems with tiny lilac flowers; easy to overlook in a border but long-flowering. Sacred to Roman and Druid priests in classical writers and called "herb of the cross" in Christian lore: folklore (grade D).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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