White Vervain
verbena urticifolia
Also known as: ["White Vervain","White Vervain Verbena"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial wildflower native to North America, known for its delicate white flowers and lance-shaped leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Verbenaceae |
| Genus: | Verbena |
| Botanical Name: | Verbena urticifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or border in a sunny area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates average garden soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers regularly; perform a heavier prune in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning during flowering season.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but blooms less.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not waterlogged; amend heavy soils with organic matter; test pH if issues arise.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C); can tolerate heat but may require more water.
Monitor temperature extremes; adjust watering accordingly; protect from sudden temperature shifts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; use a slow-release fertilizer for sustained nutrients; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; plants may take 2–3 months to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic bag or dome.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; cut back stems to just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, clean cutting tools.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead or damaged stems; remove spent flowers; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, or stunted growth in excessive heat; slow growth or yellowing in cold conditions.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf drop; susceptible to frost damage in temperatures below 32°F (0°C).
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; move potted plants indoors before frost; avoid overwatering in cool conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt or scorch; flowering may decrease; increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Increase watering frequency; provide afternoon shade; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; dilute properly; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicVerbena urticifolia is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicVerbena urticifolia is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicVerbena urticifolia is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has no known significant toxic effects on human physiology.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Verbena urticifolia attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Is Verbena urticifolia toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How much maintenance does Verbena urticifolia require?
A: It requires low maintenance, making it suitable for low-effort gardens.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Verbenaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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