Hybrid verbena: cultivation, propagation. Planting and caring for verbena

Verbena: photo, planting, growing and care. Verbena is a garden perennial, known since the end of the 18th century. Depending on the variety, it can reach up to half a meter in height and is highly branched. It has flowers shaped like carnations, with pleasant aroma. There are often several dozen of them collected on one stem, each up to 15 centimeters in diameter.

They can be different color- from white to purple, plain or “with an eye,” but all with bright and rich colors.

Verbena! Sacred branch - this is how the name of the flower is translated. It is believed that verbena scares away evil spirits, cleanses the home, gives strength to its owners, and is even added to love potions.

But this information is for lovers of everything mystical and mysterious. You and I will not brew love potions, but we will simply certainly have a beautiful verbena in our flowerbed and it will definitely become one of your favorites.

Few flyers manage to compete with her in the richness of colors and shades.

Different varieties of verbena look different. Thus, wrinkled verbena can have lilac-lilac flowers, and Canadian verbena can have fragrant red flowers. The most famous plant varieties " The Snow Queen"with white flowers, as well as the "king of blue" with dark purple flowers. No less interesting is the verbena variety “Defiance” with bright scarlet flowers and a cream eye in the center, while those of the “Etna” variety are decorated with a white eye.

Garden varieties of verbena are highly growing, semi-creeping plants, rarely exceeding 30 centimeters in height. Bright flowers verbena bushes are abundantly covered in hemispherical inflorescences during the summer and autumn.

Verbena blooms profusely for a long time. Semi-climbing varieties look great in flower beds, in garden beds, and along paths. Sometimes they are used as ground cover among gladioli, daylilies and others. tall flowers. Or “knock out” bushes with them. Flowers with blue compact verbena edged with white alyssum or cereraria are especially good.

Hanging and compact varieties are suitable for balcony boxes, hanging baskets and flowerpots. You just need to pinch the seedlings in a timely manner so that the plants branch better. The verbena container is filled with a mixture of equal parts peat, garden leaf soil and sand.

Favorable conditions for Verbena plants

The verbena plant is resistant to drought and cold, and can tolerate temperatures as low as 3 degrees below zero. When planting, give preference to places with plenty of light. And then from the first summer month until autumn it will delight you with flowering.

Verbena is undemanding to soil types. The plant is responsive to fertilizers, which it is advisable to apply once before flowering and twice during the process itself. At the same time, verbena does not tolerate feeding with fresh organic matter - compost or manure.

Verbena propagation

There are several species that are easily propagated by cuttings. However, seeds are most often used for this purpose. The most favorable time for sowing is the beginning of spring. To speed up the process of seedlings emerging from the ground, seeds are sometimes soaked in a growth stimulant for a day. Then they are scattered on the surface without going deep into the soil. You can cover the top a little with earth, but with the obligatory supply of air.

verbena plant does not tolerate excessive moisture, so you need to be very careful with watering. It is best to spray the soil as it dries. Shoots appear gradually, not all at once. A month after the first shoots emerge, the seedlings dive. In mid-May they are transplanted into open ground or boxes. The distance between the sprouts should be about 20-25 centimeters.

On the site, it is better to plant verbena in a place where there is no strong shade and where water does not accumulate or stagnate. Young plants can be pinched to form a lush top.

Note to gardeners

Many gardeners prefer compact and “low-growing” verbena varieties that are densely branched at the base. Some of the most prominent representatives of these varieties are combined into several groups:

Hybrid:

• Romance Mixed;
• Imagination;
• Tapien;
• Adonis Blue;
• Silver Anne et al.

Spear-shaped:

• Verbena hastate;
• Homestead Purple;
• Buenos Aires.

Verbena propagation by cuttings

If you decide to propagate verbena by cuttings, then opt for a strong and healthy plant. In one movement, you need to cut off the top of the shoot no more than 10 centimeters long. Then you should clear the bottom of the cutting from the leaves, dip it in a growth stimulator and plant it in a pot to a depth of 3 centimeters.

After this, you need to spray the soil so that it becomes moist. Then the cutting can be placed in a greenhouse and periodically ventilated for a short time to prevent rot.

Where to plant Verbena

Specialists in landscape design First of all, verbena is valued for its many colors and unpretentiousness, which is why it is often used in compositions in rock gardens. The plant looks irresistible on borders along paths, as well as in the central part of flower beds and flower beds. Often, some types of verbena can be seen on balconies and terraces.

Growing conditions and care

Verbena is light-loving, heat-loving and drought-resistant. The place for growing it must be sunny. She prefers loamy, not soggy soils containing humus. Verbena does not tolerate fresh manure, and with an excess of nitrogen it develops a large vegetative mass to the detriment of flowering. Once or twice a month it is fed with complex fertilizer. But excess nitrogen, especially in combination with waterlogging, leads to powdery mildew and even plant death. Verbena tolerates short-term drought, but prolonged heat, as well as shading, weakens flowering. Mature plants tolerate frost.

Verbena is grown in seedlings. Seeds are sown in February. From sowing to flowering it takes 3-3.5 months. Seedlings are planted in the ground in the second half of May. During prolonged cold weather, unfortunately, the growth of verbena stops. To stimulate tillering of the plant, the top must be pinched. During drought, verbena requires thorough watering to the root depth, since from a lack of water the plant stops blooming and quickly forms seeds.
It remains to say in more detail, how to sow hybrid verbena. Early sowings (January-February) are undesirable: seedlings do not have enough light at this time, and they become easy prey for blackleg. It takes 50-70 days from germination to flowering, and when sowing in March, there is a chance to plant already flowering plants in open ground at the end of May - beginning of June.

I grow verbena only through seedlings, which are no more difficult to grow than everyone’s favorite aster. I sow the seeds in early March in poor, loose, moisture- and breathable soil. I take sand as the basis of the soil mixture, mix it with peat (2:1), water it, level it and lightly compact it. Then I spread the seeds evenly on the surface of the soil, press down lightly and, without falling asleep, cover the container with glass or place it in a plastic bag.
Verbena shoots appear in 10-12 days. As soon as the first shoots appear, I remove the film and place the container on the brightest windowsill. The seedlings are very delicate and need to be watered regularly with a spray bottle. But to prevent plants from suffering from blackleg, the soil should not be over-moistened.

After 3-4 weeks, real leaves appear, and I pick the seedlings, planting them at a distance of 2.5-3 cm from each other. The composition of the soil mixture should now be richer: I add turf or humus soil and a little wood ash to it.

When the plants begin to crowd each other, I plant the seedlings in separate cups.
You know that you need 8-10 pieces to get a dense flowering carpet measuring 1 square. m, through which weeds cannot get through. I make sure to pinch over the third or fourth leaf to cause strong tillering.
I plant verbena seedlings in open ground at the end of May at a distance of 20-30 cm from each other. For better survival, I water it abundantly in the evening and immediately.

If the creeping shoots of verbena are pressed to the ground with pins and spudded, they will quickly take root and multiply.

Seedlings planted in a planting hole flooded with water take root well. The shoots quickly close and no weeds can break through.

Verbena flower pests

The flower is often attacked dangerous pests- aphids and whiteflies. The plant also cannot resist diseases such as blackleg, root and stem rot, and spotting.

Celtic priests made a drink of love from verbena, which protected against evil spirits and reconciled enemies.

It was considered an herb astrologically subordinate to Venus.

As a herb of love, verbena helps against anger, extinguishes emotions, and puts you in a cheerful mood.

The plant was used to cleanse the home.

It was believed that vervain was capable of fulfilling any wish, for which one just needed to rub it.

Amazing and unusual folk names for verbena:

• Juno's Tear;
• Vein of Venus;
• Blood of Mercury;
• Holy grass;
• Grace's Grass;
• Pigeon grass;
• Witchcraft plant;
• Wang-wan;
• Zheleznyak;
• Seventh herb.

The Legend of Verbena

In ancient times, residents of many countries attributed a number of properties to verbena that made this plant very attractive for planting.

For example, it was believed that the flower brings love and profit, cleanses houses and even helps to reconcile enemies.

And in ancient legends it was said that this plant can make wishes come true. To do this, you had to rub yourself with vervain and constantly think about your goal.

There is, of course, a rational link in this; the plant has a very pleasant smell, and it has never stopped anyone from thinking about the tasks at hand.

So read the beautiful legends, plant verbena and admire a flower that is pleasant in all respects.

Verbena variety "Red Velvet"

Growing verbena is not such a simple process as it seems at first glance. You need to know which varieties should be grown in a particular region, what are the basic requirements for growing seedlings and then planting them in open ground.

In order for this plant to delight you with its flowering until frost, you should know what the basic rules for caring for the flower are, what flowers are compatible in the flower garden next to verbena, and how to propagate it.

Many gardeners complain that this flower does not grow or bloom well. With what it can be connected? And what else should those who want to plant verbena in their garden know about? These and many other questions will be answered in this article.

This perennial flower can be seen in flower beds in almost all garden areas. And verbena blooms almost until frost, you just need to regularly remove the drying inflorescences. Thus, in 2016, various varieties of verbena were in demand in specialized stores.

However, verbena grows as a perennial plant only in warm regions, and in less hot regions, starting from the middle zone, it is planted as an annual. This is due to the fact that this flower has low frost resistance, so it can only overwinter normally in the southern regions. But all varieties of this flowering plant are easy to grow from seeds.

Verbena - photos of flowers, when to plant seedlings of this plant - beginning flower growers who want to plant these plants need to know about this beautiful flowers on your site.

Varieties and types of verbena

In total, as of 2016, more than 250 were known different varieties and verbena hybrids. However, there are not many varieties of this plant that are most popular among gardeners.

Hybrid verbena is divided into the following groups:

1. Plants with large inflorescences (Etna, Defias, Julia and some other flowers);

2. Compact flowers (Pink Delight, Crystal, Amethyst, etc.).

"Pink Delight"

The main types of verbena grown in garden plots:

1. Canadian verbena in Russia is grown as an annual plant. The stems are not thick, growing to a height of no more than 19 - 20 cm. The main colors of this plant are: white, pink, lilac.
2. Hard verbena - its flowers are collected in lilac-colored inflorescences. The foliage is slightly elongated and fleecy. The stems are tetrahedral in shape and spread along the ground. Ripe seeds do not lose their viability for 4–5 years.
3. Buenos Aires verbena - the bushes of this variety are tall (up to 1.2 m in height). Stems are strong and straight. The side stems extend only from the base of the plant. Inflorescences appear on the bushes simultaneously, the colors of small flowers are amethyst.
4. Verbena ampelous - this variety is best suited for vertical gardening. Bushes planted in hanging pots hang beautifully to the floor. The length of the stems ranges from 50 to 60 cm. The inflorescences are small, the flowers are small in various shades.

The main varieties of verbena:

• F1 Obsession is a whole series of different varieties that are united by compact bushes and active growth of side shoots. The colors of the inflorescences are varied - from beige and peach tones to pink, there are also two-color flowers;

• Amethyst – low bushes of this variety are distinguished by the beautiful colors of the inflorescences (the bright blue hue of the flowers is mesmerizing), the first buds appear in early July;
• PinkParfait is a low variety of verbena (up to 25 - 30 cm), the shoots are creeping, so this variety is used for vertical gardening, the flowers can be either cream with a white tint or red;
• Defiance – grows up to 25 – 30 cm in height, the inflorescences are dense, the main color is red, the inflorescences can fade in direct sunlight;
• Schneekenigin – tall bushes (up to 50 – 55 cm in height), inflorescences look like umbrellas, the number of flowers in an inflorescence is up to 60, color is white;

"Quartz Burgundy"

• QuartzBurgundy – low variety (about 25 cm in height), inflorescences average size, up to 7 cm in diameter, the color of the flowers is bright crimson. Propagated by cuttings;
• Etna - beautiful bushes up to 40 - 45 cm high, inflorescences are of medium size (up to 7 cm in diameter), look like small umbrellas, with about 50 flowers;
• SilverAnne - the flowers of this variety are collected in dense inflorescences, their color is bright pink, with a pleasant aroma; by the end of summer the color fades slightly; they are propagated exclusively by cuttings.

Growing verbena from seeds at home

In 2016 favorable days By lunar calendar for planting verbena seeds for seedlings fell on the following dates: March 14, 15, 20, 21, 22. Unfavorable days for planting verbena seeds in 2016: March 5, 6, 23.

The main nuances of planting verbena seeds at home:

1. The seeds of this flower require at least 11 - 12 hours of daylight during germination. Therefore, in the winter months, when daylight hours are short, the seedlings germinate poorly. AND best time for planting verbena seeds for seedlings - March or early April.
2. Seed material is not buried in the ground. The seeds are scattered evenly over the surface of the nutrient mixture. The land must be pre-watered.
3. The air temperature in the room should be 24 - 25°C, in this case sprouts will appear from the seeds within a couple of days. As soon as the seed has “hatched”, the containers are moved to a room with a temperature of no more than +18°C, because this plant does not like excessive heat.
4. It is better to water the seedlings using a sprayer so that the water jets do not damage the delicate root system seedlings. And the amount of moisture must be strictly dosed - for verbena seedlings a large number of water is harmful. The first seedlings emerge from the soil within 6-8 days after planting the seed, and after 12-14 days all the seeds have already germinated.
5. On permanent place grown verbena seedlings are planted in a flower garden when spring frosts have already passed. Although this plant can easily tolerate cold temperatures down to -2°C, more low temperatures can destroy seedlings planted in open ground.
6. If gardeners want verbena to begin flowering earlier, then the seedlings should be planted in flowerpots at home or planted in closed ground.

Seedling care

Caring for verbena seedlings at home includes:

• creating a certain air temperature for growing seedlings (not higher than +16; +18°C);
• regular watering as the topsoil dries out;
• fertilizing 2 - 3 times before transplanting seedlings into open ground;
• timely picking of grown seedlings;
• hardening of seedlings before planting verbena in open ground.

When moisture stagnates in containers, verbena seedlings may develop various fungal diseases. Therefore, watering should be moderate.

After the plants are picked, they should take root. And only after 12 - 14 days can these seedlings be fed with fertilizers. After the seedlings have 4–5 permanent leaves, it is necessary to pinch the top part of the plants. Then the seedlings begin to grow side shoots.

2 - 2.5 weeks before planting the seedlings of this flower in open ground, these young plants should be hardened off. Hardened seedlings become stronger and adapt better after transplanting into open ground. First, containers with seedlings are taken out to Fresh air not for long and only during the warm part of the day. But after a week, you can leave the plants outside all day and bring them home only at night.

Sowing and planting in open ground

Verbena - enough heat-loving plant, and its seeds require at least 11–12 hours of daylight during germination, so it is better to plant them in open ground in the southern regions of our country. And in other areas it is better to plant ready-made seedlings or cuttings of this flower in flower beds.

First you need to decide on the place where this beautiful flowering plant will be planted. These flowers can be planted anywhere garden plot, for example, where they bloomed early plants(tulips, daffodils and other flowers). But more beautiful bushes verbenas grow in areas where there is a lot of sunlight. Verbena foliage and flowers are not afraid of straight sun rays, do not fade or wither when exposed to the sun.

Since verbena has fairly compact roots, it can be planted in any hanging pots and flowerpots.

This plant grows well in fertile loamy soils. But it can also grow on other types of soil if the following conditions are met:

• the soil has high water permeability;
• the soil is loose.

And if the site has heavy types of soil, then it is enough to add river sand to it, and the verbena will take root perfectly and will delight the eye with its bright inflorescences.

For better outlet knowledgeable gardeners arrange drainage in the places where this plant will grow. The following materials can be used as drainage materials:

• broken brick;
• fragments of cobblestones;
• expanded clay;
• crushed stone.

The drainage layer conducts water perfectly, protecting the verbena roots from excessive moisture. Properly arranged drainage is a guarantee that there will be no stagnation of moisture in these areas.

Planting seeds in open ground should be done in specially made grooves. The distance between such rows should be at least 0.7 m. Caring for emerging seedlings in open ground is no different from caring for seedlings grown at home.

Verbena seedlings are planted in open ground in pre-prepared holes. The distance between the holes in the rows is at least 0.5 m, and between the rows - at least 0.7 m. A pre-prepared nutrient mixture consisting of humus, peat and river sand. If the soil is sufficiently depleted, then complex mineral fertilizer must be added to this nutrient mixture.

12 - 14 days after the appearance of the first shoots, the plants can be fed with liquid mineral fertilizer. And in the future, fertilizing is carried out several more times:

• when the buds appear;
• after all the inflorescences have opened;
• after flowering ends.

Growing and caring for verbena in open ground

Verbena planted in open ground does not require special care. However, some conditions must still be met.

Water these flowers regularly from the moment the seedlings are planted in open ground until the verbena finishes flowering. After the plant has completely bloomed, the amount of watering can be reduced. These flowers, unlike vegetable plants, should not be loosened after watering. A similar procedure can be done if the summer is hot and dry - to improve the supply of oxygen to the root system. To reduce moisture evaporation from the soil surface, you can add sawdust or other mulching material under the plants.

Weed control in flower beds where verbena grows is usually carried out only at first, until the bushes have grown. And when this plant gains strength, the shoots of this plant fill all the space in the flowerbed, and there is no room left for weeds to grow.

When applying fertilizers to these plants, you should remember: do not overuse organic fertilizers (rotted manure or compost). These fertilizers contain a large amount of nitrogen, which stimulates the growth of vegetative mass to the detriment of the formation of inflorescences. Usually organic fertilizers These plants are introduced into the soil in the spring to stimulate shoot growth. In the future, only complex mineral fertilizers are used to feed verbena.

Verbena propagation by cuttings

Hybrids and varietal verbena bushes are propagated only by cuttings. And when such plants are propagated by seeds, all the properties of the mother bush may not be preserved.

Verbena is propagated by cuttings much less often than by seeds. This is due to the fact that cuttings of the plant are taken in the spring. And in the conditions of the middle zone or Black Earth Region, this flower grows as an annual plant. Therefore, about preparing material for spring planting knowledgeable flower growers begin as early as autumn time. At the end of October - beginning of November, when cold weather has not yet arrived, you need to dig up the verbena bushes along with the ground so as not to damage the root system of the plants. These bushes are placed in containers and stored in a cool room until spring. Water these plants rarely and moderately. At the beginning of spring, the tops of these bushes are cut off and planted in pots with a nutrient mixture. After rooting, the cuttings are cared for in the same way as seedlings grown from seeds.

Combination with other plants

There are quite a few varieties of verbena, so you can plant this plant in flower beds, combining its different varieties and colors of inflorescences. This flower also goes well with some other flowering plants.

You can grow verbena next to the following annual plants:

• marigolds;
• cosmos;
• common chamomile;
• nivyanik.

This flower also goes well with some perennial flowering plants:

• rudbeckia;
• delphinium;
• various varieties of roses.

Verbena is also used for vertical gardening. It is planted in hanging flowerpots, in pots that are displayed on terraces, as well as in winter gardens.

Conclusion

Verbena is grown as an annual plant in cool climates. It can be propagated by both seeds and cuttings. Each of these methods has its pros and cons. Growing this flower in seedlings is usually carried out in average and central regions our country. Reproduction by cuttings is carried out in cases where varietal and hybrid verbenas are propagated.

At proper care verbena quickly grows and begins to bloom profusely. Therefore, both beginning flower growers and those who have been growing flowers for several years need to remember the basic requirements when growing verbena.

Video

Planting and caring for verbena (in brief)

• Landing: sowing stratified seeds for seedlings - in March or April, planting seedlings in the ground - in the second half of May or early June.
• Bloom: from June to October.
• Lighting: bright sunlight, diffused light, partial shade.
• The soil: Fertile loam is best, but any soil will do.
• Watering: until the second half of summer - moderate, regular; from August, watering is gradually reduced.
• Feeding: 3-4 times during the season with complex mineral fertilizers with a reduced nitrogen component.
• Reproduction: seeds, less often cuttings.
• Pests: spider mites, aphids and nematodes.
• Diseases: powdery mildew, black leg, root rot, gray mold, spotting.

Read more about growing verbena below.

Verbena flowers - growing conditions

Verbena is a rhizomatous plant, depending on the type and growing conditions it can be either annual or perennial herbaceous plant or subshrub. Stems can be erect, creeping or prostrate, rough or smooth. The leaves are opposite, pubescent, sometimes alternate or whorled, dark green in color, serrated, dissected or pinnately incised, and in some species entire. The terminal paniculate or corymbose inflorescences, spikes or racemes consist of 30-50 small flowers from one and a half to two and a half centimeters in diameter.

The range of flower colors is unusually wide: white, yellow, cream, dark red, salmon, dark blue, blue, plain, and also with a cream or white eye. The fruit is a prefabricated nut made up of four parts. Verbena blooms from June to November.

Verbena is grown not only in open ground, but also in containers. For example, ampelous verbena grown in hanging planters, decorates terraces and balconies. In our climate, verbena is cultivated as an annual, because she cannot stand cold winters.

Growing verbena from seeds

Verbena stratification

Verbena reproduces well by seeds, but in some of its species the seeds are covered with a too dense shell, which complicates the process of germination. In such cases, they resort to stratification, that is, cold treatment. This is done this way: verbena seeds are laid out on a damp cloth and placed together with it in an opaque plastic bag and put in the vegetable section of the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

In the photo: Verbena blooming in the garden

Sowing verbena for seedlings

Stratified seeds can be sown directly into open ground, but we will tell you how to sow verbena for seedlings, since seedling method seed propagation much more reliable than seedless. In general, verbena seeds remain viable for three to five years, but this figure is not equally high for all species.

For example, in hybrid verbena, the percentage of seed germination is not higher than 30, so when propagating verbena by seed, you need to take into account all possible risks.

Verbena seeds are sown for seedlings in March in boxes with light humus soil, which can be replaced by sand or perlite. The seeds are sprinkled with a thin layer of humus on top and kept under glass at a temperature of 18-20 ºC, ventilating the crops and removing condensation from the glass. Verbena from seeds germinates gradually after 20-30 days, and it is immediately transferred to a slightly cooler place.

Verbena seedlings

Caring for sprouted verbena primarily consists of maintaining the required water balance: the plant is sprayed with water only when the soil dries out. A month later, after the seedlings have two pairs of leaves, they are planted in cellular containers or individual pots, and after another two weeks, when they have settled in the new place, they are fed with complex mineral fertilizer. To enhance tillering, the top of hanging varieties is pinched above the fifth or sixth leaf, but this does not apply to low-growing varieties, since they branch well on their own.

On the picture: Delicate flower verbena

Planting verbena

When to plant verbena

Verbena seedlings are planted in the ground only after warm weather has finally settled. Verbena will withstand light short cold snaps down to -3 ºC, but a strong and prolonged drop in temperature can cause irreparable harm to young plants. Any place for verbena is suitable, but it grows best in a well-lit area, and even direct sunlight does not harm it.

The best soil for verbena is fertile loam, but it grows well on other, even heavy soils, if you lighten them by digging with sand.

In the photo: Verbena inflorescence

How to plant verbena

Verbena is planted according to the following principle: the distance between specimens of compact varieties should be about 20 cm, and between creeping bushes - 25-30 cm. But before planting verbena, place a little drainage material in each hole - broken bricks or crushed stone - so that water does not stagnate in the roots of plants. If the soil is dry, pour two glasses of water into each hole, wait until it is slightly absorbed, dip the verbena with an earthen lump into this liquid slurry, fill the hole with soil and squeeze it around the bush. If you plant verbena in rainy weather or after rain, then there is no need to additionally moisten the soil.

In the photo: Growing verbena in the garden

Verbena care

How to grow verbena

Growing verbena and caring for it are very simple rules, compliance with which is mandatory, but not tedious. The plant needs to be watered regularly during active growth and flowering; in the second half of summer, watering of verbena is reduced. It is necessary to loosen the area only in conditions of extreme heat after abundant watering to ensure air circulation for the root system. If verbena bushes are planted in a group, then weeding will only have to be done the first time after planting, until the bushes grow. Single plants need to be kept free of weeds all the time. If, after planting, you mulch the area with rotted leaves or decorative material, then you won’t have to loosen the soil or fight weeds.

Verbena fertilizer

Growing verbena also involves the application of fertilizers, both mineral and organic, but organic matter is applied only once a season so as not to overload the soil with nitrogen, from which verbena turns lushly green, but, alas, refuses to bloom. Verbena is fertilized with complex mineral fertilizer 3-4 times per season.

In the photo: Hybrid verbena

Verbena blossom

If you feed verbena correctly, without overusing the nitrogen component in fertilizers, nothing will stop it from decorating your garden with its beautiful flowers, especially since the delicate aroma of verbena is an additional bonus to its enchanting beauty. And if you remove faded flowers in a timely manner, the wonderful holiday of verbena flowering will last in your garden almost until frost.

Pests and diseases of verbena

Verbena rarely gets sick with anything, and with proper care - never. But with excessive watering or in humid, hot summers, the plant can be affected by powdery mildew, which is treated with saprol, sulfur or Fundazol.

Sometimes the plant is attacked by mites or aphids, which are eliminated with insecticides.

Excessive watering can lead to plant disease with blackleg, various rots and spots, so try to follow the rules of care so that you do not have to fight fungi and nematodes that cause diseases, especially since this fight does not always end in victory for the grower.

In the photo: Growing verbena in a pot

Verbena after flowering

How and when to collect verbena seeds

Verbena, grown in our climate as an annual, is destroyed in the fall and the site is dug up. But if you want to collect seeds from your own plants, do so when most of The boxes will dry out and take on a brown tint. Place the cut inflorescence with capsules on paper or fabric and let it dry, turning it over from time to time so that it does not become moldy, then extract the seeds from the nuts, pour them into a paper bag or box and label them.

But keep in mind that the seeds you collect will not retain the varietal characteristics of their parents, so it’s better to purchase them in the spring planting material in the store - thank God, there is no shortage of verbena seeds.

Verbena in winter

There is only one type of verbena that can be grown as a perennial in our climate - verbena straight (Verbena stricta), and if you are the happy owner of this rare plant in cultivation, then before the onset of winter, cut the stems of the plant to the level of the ground and cover the remains of the bush with spruce branches in case of a too frosty or snowless winter.

In the photo: Delicate pink verbena

Types and varieties of verbena

Of the many representatives of the verbena genus, not many species are grown in culture.

Verbena straight (Verbena stricta)

The only one grown in middle lane perennial up to one and a half meters high. The sessile leaves are grayish-green, oval with a serrated edge, up to 9 cm long and 5 cm wide. Dark violet-blue flowers are collected in inflorescences up to 40 cm long. It does not bloom as long as other cultivated species.

In the photo: Verbena stricta

Buenos Aires verbena (Verbena bonariensis)

In the edges natural habitat It grows as a perennial plant, the height of erect bushes is up to 120 cm, the main stem is clearly defined, side shoots extend from the base of the bush. The leaves are opposite, elongated, lanceolate, with a serrated edge. Small flowers amethyst-colored flowers are collected in spikelets forming umbrella-shaped inflorescences. Flowering is long and abundant.

In the photo: Buenos Aires Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)

Verbena canadensis

Also a heat-loving perennial with thin stems 15-20 cm long, oval, pointed, deeply divided leaves. Flowers lilac, purple, white or Pink colour make up umbrella-shaped inflorescences. It blooms profusely and reproduces by self-sowing. Seeds remain viable for up to three years.

In the photo: Verbena canadensis

Verbena rigida

This verbena is characterized by branched stems, ascending or creeping. Hard leaves, almost wedge-shaped, with convex veins and hairy undersides sheet plate. Lilac or purple flowers up to 1 cm in diameter are collected at the ends of the shoots in complex inflorescences up to 3.5 cm in diameter. Seeds do not lose their viability for up to five years!

In the photo: Verbena rigida

Verbena hybrida

This is the most common type of verbena with highly branching, creeping or erect stems 20-50 cm tall. The leaves are elongated triangular or oblong, pubescent with colorless bristles. The flowers are fragrant, regular, collected in complex umbrella-shaped inflorescences, painted in white, dark purple, purple and other colors. Verbena hybrid has two varieties:

Large-flowered, or mammoth (var. Mammuth) up to 40-50 cm tall, creeping stems, erect shoots, large flowers. Varieties:

• Cyclops– bush height 30-40 cm, umbrella inflorescences up to 7 cm in diameter consist of many (up to 55) flowers dark blue with a white eye. Each flower is from one and a half to two and a half centimeters in diameter;
• Etna– height 40-45 cm, dense inflorescences up to 7 cm in diameter consist of 45-55 scarlet-red flowers with a large star-shaped cream eye;

In the photo: Hybrid Verbena (Verbena hybrida)

Low compact (var. nana compacta) – dense bushes 20-30 cm in height. Varieties:

• Ruby– hemispherical bushes 20-25 cm tall, dense inflorescences up to 6 cm in diameter from violet-red flowers one and a half to two cm in diameter;
• Spectrum Mouth– bush height 25-30 cm, convex dense inflorescences up to 6 cm in diameter, velvety, dark scarlet flowers, up to 2.5 cm in diameter.

The most popular container hanging varieties are:

• Imagination with thin branching shoots up to half a meter long and inflorescences-balls of violet-lilac flowers - excellent variety verbena for hanging baskets, balcony boxes, but often successfully used as a ground cover;
• Moon River – new variety with shoots up to 45 cm long, densely strewn with lavender-colored inflorescences. Beautiful plant for a container or hanging basket.

The mysterious and romantic name of this flower excites the imagination for good reason! Verbena has been known since ancient times; many mystical properties have been attributed to it.

For example, the ancient Celts used it to reconcile enemies, made amulets from evil spirits from the grass, and brewed a drink that evoked love.

In Christianity, this flower is considered sacred. There is a legend that for the first time verbena grew in those places where the blood of the crucified Christ fell.

Nowadays, the variety of species and varieties allows the use of verbena in the design of a garden of any style.

Verbena hybrid (Verbena x hybrida) belongs to the verbena family (Verbenaceae). This is a perennial plant obtained by crossing several species of verbena. In cultivation, it is usually grown as an annual plant.

The plant is a compact branched bush. Stems are 15 to 60 cm high, tetrahedral. Adventitious roots form on the shoots where they touch the ground. The root system of the plant is fibrous, branched, located in top layer soil up to 20 cm thick.

Verbena leaves are opposite, elongated. Lower leaves– heart-shaped at the base, sessile at the top. All green parts of the plant are covered with hard gray hairs.

This species includes various forms of plants - both ground cover and hanging, both tall and dwarf. The richness of colors defies description and can even include colors that are uncharacteristic of verbena, such as peach and orange.

The inflorescence of hybrid verbena is in the form of an umbrella-shaped spike, with up to 30 medium-sized flowers with a pleasant aroma. The colors of the flowers are very diverse - white, blue, purple, red, pink with various shades, plain or with a light spot in the center.

Long and abundant flowering and the striking color of the flowers make verbena a very valuable crop for decorating a garden plot.

In addition to elegant appearance, umbrella-inflorescences have a fragrant floral aroma, intensifying towards sunset. This feature distinguishes all varieties and forms of hybrid verbena.

Growing hybrid verbena

The plant is light-loving and drought-resistant; it grows best in open sunny places. It is undemanding to soil, but grows better in moist and fertilized (without excess nitrogen and organic matter), non-acidic loamy soils.

Its very important quality is that it tolerates industrial pollution relatively well, which is why it is becoming increasingly popular in urban landscaping.

Verbena develops very slowly, from sowing to flowering it takes 3–3.5 months. Tolerates transplantation well.

Reproduction of hybrid verbena

Verbena is propagated by seeds and cuttings. To obtain earlier flowering, seedlings are grown. To do this, the seeds are sown in March. Seeds germinate very slowly and unfriendly; at a temperature of +12...+15 o C, seedlings appear in 15–20 days. Therefore, for better germination of seeds, it is advisable to soak them in a growth stimulator before sowing.

Seedlings dive into boxes or pots when they have 1-2 true leaves. During the growing period, seedlings need to be fed 1-2 times with a solution of complex mineral fertilizer.

Seedlings are planted in flower beds in early June at a distance of 15–25 cm, when the threat of frost has passed, although it tolerates them much more easily than many other flowers.

When propagated by cuttings, mother plants are planted in pots in the summer and rooted. In winter, they are stored in a bright room at a temperature of +4...+6 o C. And cuttings of young shoots are carried out in April.

Care

Verbena blooms from late June until frost. For prolonged flowering, when there is a lack of moisture in the soil, it is watered, otherwise, when there is drought, the plants stop flowering and begin to form seeds. For abundant and long-lasting flowering, plants need to be fed with complex mineral fertilizer every 15–20 days.

If the shoots are pinned to the ground, then additional roots are formed in the leaf nodes, and from flowering plants it turns out to be a low carpet.

Use in garden design

The use of verbena to decorate a site is very diverse. Low varieties of verbena are planted in flower beds and borders, compact forms are good in arrays and on loggias, and ampelous varieties will perfectly decorate hanging balcony boxes And retaining walls. Verbena is cut from tall varieties, but the cut flowers do not last long in water.

Low cost, versatility of use, unpretentiousness to environmental conditions and a very long flowering period make verbena very desirable in every garden.

“Ural Gardener” No. 16, 2017

Photo: Rita Brilliantova, Nina Starostenko

This garden resident has more than 200 species. Below we will consider what kind of verbena plant, planting and care necessary for lush flowering, photo various types. Since ancient times, the plant has carried some kind of mysticism. She protected the hearth of the Celts and was part of the love potions of the Druids.

Such a different verbena

Conventionally, representatives of the Verbenovs can be divided according to several criteria:

1. There are annual, perennial and semi-shrub species.
2. The stems are creeping, erect or prostrate. The leaves are also different.
3. You can choose any color of the inflorescences - there are about 10 of them. There are plain flowers and flowers with an eye.

But all species also have common features. Verbena is a rhizomatous plant. About 50 small flowers are collected in an inflorescence. Flowering can be observed from early summer to November. In our climate, unfortunately, verbena can only be grown as an annual plant - most species cannot tolerate frosty winters.

Now let's take a closer look at popular types verbena and look at photos of flowers.

Verbena perennial straight

This is the only plant species that tolerates frost. Leaves oval shape with denticles along the edges, 9 by 5 cm. Lilac flowers, inflorescence 40 cm in length. Flowering is short-lived.

Verbena Buenos Aires

From the name it is clear that the plant’s homeland is in warm countries. There, Buenos Aires verbena reaches 120 cm and grows as a perennial. It has a main stem and side shoots at the base of the bush. The leaves are long, with toothed edges. The flowers are light lilac. Inflorescences are in the form of spikelets, which in turn form umbrella-shaped caps. Flowering is long and abundant. The second name is verbena bonarensis.

Verbena hybrid

A popular species among flower growers in our region. It has creeping, branched or erect stems from 20 cm to half a meter long. The leaves are triangular in shape, with colorless bristles. Umbrella-shaped inflorescences, fragrant. Hybrid verbena can be of two subspecies:

• large-flowered (up to half a meter tall);
• compact (up to 30 cm in height).

Verbena ampelous

There are two main varieties of ampel verbena:

• Imaging;
• Moon River.

Most often, ampelous verbena is grown in hanging pots.

Verbena officinalis

Perennial medicinal verbena grows up to 80 cm. The leaves are oblong, the flowers are lilac, the inflorescence is in the form of a panicle.

Lemon verbena

It grows up to 2 meters in height, the inflorescence is spike-shaped. This species produces flowers from July to September. Most often, the variety is used to make oil and added to tea.

Medicinal properties of the plant

Verbena has medicinal properties and contraindications. The latter includes individual intolerance. Medicinal properties a lot, have different types they vary. Let's talk about two of the most popular.

Thus, verbena officinalis has an excellent antispasmodic effect. Besides:

• relieves headaches;
• helps with vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• diuretic;
• removes cholesterol from blood vessels.

Lemon verbena has an antiseptic effect and is used in the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia, as well as:

• sedative;
• antipyretic;
• used for liver disorders;
• helps with problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
• anti-inflammatory.

Planting verbena

Since in our country verbena is grown as a annual plant, let's figure out how to grow it from seeds. In some cases, seed stratification is required for germination. To do this you will need a damp cloth, a dark bag and a refrigerator. Place the seeds in a dampened cloth, place them in a bag and leave them in the refrigerator for 5 days.

The stratification procedure is necessary for those types of verbena that have a very dense seed capsule.

After stratification, you can begin sowing. Verbena seeds can be germinated either by seedlings or in open ground. By the way, the first method showed greater germination.

Verbena seeds remain viable for 3-5 years.

In many types of verbena, the percentage of seed germination is up to 30%. It’s worth taking this into account and not expecting a miracle. Seeds for seedlings are sown in March. You need to prepare pots with humus, sand or perlite mixed with soil. Next, the seeds are poured in and covered thin layer humus. The containers should be covered with glass and germinated at a temperature of 20 degrees.

Do not forget to sometimes ventilate the seedlings and remove condensation from the glass.

The first shoots will appear in 3 weeks. As soon as they appear, the container should be moved to a cooler place.
Caring for seedlings is simple - you need to maintain water balance. Plants are sprayed when the soil is completely dry.

When the seedlings have two pairs of leaves (around May), you need to pick them into separate pots. When the plants have already gotten used to the new place, you can fertilize.

In ampelous varieties, the top above the 5-6th leaf needs to be pinched. This promotes better branching of the plant.

When the seedlings have already grown, they can be placed in open ground. A sunny location with fertile loam is best. But verbena can also grow in partial shade on poor soils dug up with sand.

It is important to maintain a distance between flowers so that they do not interfere with the normal development of each other. Thus, low-growing verbenas are planted at a distance of 20 cm, and creeping ones - 25-30 cm.

To avoid harmful stagnation of water, drainage material must be added to each hole before planting.

Verbena planting and care in open ground occurs as follows. Outside, the temperature should already be above 0 during the day, and at night not lower than -3. Otherwise, the plant will die. Make sure that the soil with the seeds is loose - this is the only way the sprouts can break through.

You need to sow on moist soil, do not sprinkle on top. Also, do not forget about timely watering, but do not over-moisten the soil.

How to care for verbena

The rules for caring for the plant are quite simple:

1. During the period of active growth and flowering, regular watering is needed. Since the end of summer it has been stopped completely.
2. Loosening is necessary in extreme heat. This is done only after watering to aerate the roots.
3. When planting verbena in a group, weeding is necessary during the first period of growth.
4. To avoid fighting weeds and loosening the soil, mulch the soil. Mulch will replace your labor.

As for fertilizer, organic matter and minerals are added. The first is added only once per season. If you fertilize with more organic matter, the verbena will only grow the green part, but you will not get flowering. Mineral fertilizer entered 4 times.

When you remove faded flowers, verbena will delight you with its beauty and aroma until the first frost.

Dangers to the plant

Verbena is quite persistent and, if the rules of planting and care are followed, it looks like in the photo and practically does not get sick. The danger arises when growing outdoors in a flowerbed in a rainy summer or when it is overwatered. This is how black leg, rot and other similar diseases may appear. That is, the plant will simply begin to rot. Such diseases are quite difficult to cure, so try to avoid waterlogging of the soil and organize good drainage.
Among the pests, mites and aphids can attack verbena. Insecticides will save you from them.

Collecting verbena seeds

When most of the seed pods have turned brown, the seeds are ready to be harvested. To do this, you need to cut off the inflorescence and put it on a sheet of paper to dry. To prevent mold from appearing during drying, the inflorescence must be turned over periodically. When the inflorescence dries, all that remains is to open the boxes and pour the seeds into the bag.

There is no guarantee that the seeds will transmit the species mother plant. It is impossible to guess what exactly will grow out of them.

Overwintering verbena

Most species in our climate grow as annuals, since at temperatures below -3 degrees the plant dies. In this case, in late autumn, plant debris is removed and the soil is dug up.

In some regions, you can try making verbena perennial. To do this, you need to insulate the root system with sawdust in the fall.

There is only one species that can withstand wintering - verbena perennial erecta. This is a rather rare plant in cultivation that needs preparation for winter. To keep the roots healthy until spring, you need to cut the stems to ground level and cover the base of the bush with spruce branches.

Decorating your garden with verbena of any variety, you definitely won’t regret it. It's beautiful and useful plant unpretentious, beautiful and fragrant.

Verbena from sowing to the first buds - video