Blue Vervain - Verbena hastata

The Blue Vervain is native to the mainland United States and parts of Canada. It is commonly found in wet meadow and riparian ecosystems. They are also known by another common name “Soggy Verbena” highlighting just how much these delightful perennials like wet soils.

The inflorescences of this plant are shaped like the head of a spear, which is denoted in the epithet “hastasta” which means “spear-shaped” in Latin. These spears are grouped in panicles at the top of each stem. Each spear produces dozens of endearingly tiny, five-lobed flowers that are violet to purple in color. While the flowers are delightfully violet-purple, the stem from which the spears and flowers emerge embodies deep red to pink hues, providing a subtle accent color component to the garden.

Plant Details - Blue Vervain

Family: Verbenaceae

Hardiness Zones: 3–9

Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs: Moderate to wet

Height: 2 to 6 ft

Spread: 12 to 8 in

Growth Rate: Moderate

Bloom Time: July to September

Flower Color: Blue-violet

Wildlife Value: Attractive to pollinators and the seeds provide food for small mammals

Growing to a height of up to 6 ft, this perennial plant is ideal for the back border of moist garden bed, where it can receive full sun but also not shade the other plants growing nearby. Once established, this plant will form colonies and provide more densely packed flowering spears for your visual pleasure.

In a garden, the flowers of the Blue Vervain are attractive to pollinators and hummingbirds. The seeds are a common food source for small mammals and are important in supporting wildlife in both natural and landscaped ecosystems alike.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Blue Vervain

This plant prefers moist to wet soils and full sun to partial shade conditions. It easily self-seeds and spreads via rhizome, however it is not an aggressive plant and will not outcompete other companions in the garden. This plant is low maintenance with no serious pest and disease problems. It is an ideal plant to use as a border element or can be used in a rain garden given its inclination for wet feet.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Attractive to pollinators, seeds provide a food source for wildlife, low maintenance.

Add this charmingly tall, spear-shaped perennial to your rain garden and enjoy the unfurling of thousands of of tiny violet-purple flowers year after year. Shop for Blue Vervain plants online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Summer

Bloom/Foliage Color

Blue

Height at Maturity

Over 12"

Care

Blue Vervain thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate occasional flooding. It benefits from regular watering but should avoid overwatering. Prune dead or damaged stems in early spring to encourage new growth and maintain their shape.

Plant Reproduction

Blue Vervain spreads slowly through rhizomes and by self-seeding.

Shipping date depends on the date displayed and chosen when you order from the product's page.

We do not accept returned plants. If you purchased an extended warranty we do accept claims, please navigate to the warranty page for instructions HERE