Blue Vervain

Blue Vervain Plant For Sale - Verbena hastata

Blue Vervain is so special because of the perennial's color palette. 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.

Growing to a height of up to 4 ft, this perennial plant is ideal for the back border of a 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 visual pleasure.

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.

Blue Vervain Plant Facts | Verbena hastata Growing Info

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

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

How to Grow- Use Blue Vervain in Your Landscape

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

Why Gardeners Love Blue Vervain Plants

Attractive to pollinators, seeds provide a food source for wildlife and are 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

Fall

Bloom/Foliage Color

Purple

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.

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Perennials, Tubers, and Bulbs

Bare root perennials, tubers, and bulbs are an easy and economical way to jumpstart your garden with lasting beauty. These dormant plants should be planted in early spring or fall while the soil is cool and workable. Before planting, soak bare roots in water for 1–2 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a location based on the plant’s light needs—most flowering types prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade.

For bare root perennials, dig a shallow hole and spread the roots out naturally, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface. For tubers and bulbs, plant with the pointed side facing up at a depth about two to three times their height. Cover with soil, gently press down, and water thoroughly.

Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy) until new growth appears. Add mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid covering the crown or bulb tops. Once established, these plants require little maintenance—just seasonal watering, occasional dividing, and deadheading or pruning as needed. With proper care, they’ll return and thrive year after year.

We carefully package every plant to retain superior moisture during transit. Once prepared, orders ship the same day through UPS or USPS, with typical delivery in 2–4 days.

Returns are not accepted, but plants are reshipped if extended warranty insurance was purchased at checkout. Otherwise, all plants include a standard 5-day warranty after delivery.