Hale's vervain

verbena halei

Also known as: ["Hale's verbena"]

Family: Verbenaceae Genus: Verbena Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to North America, known for its small, lavender flowers and drought tolerance.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Verbenaceae
Genus: Verbena
Botanical Name: Verbena halei

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, sunny borders, or containers in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks during growing season; lightly prune after flowering
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if needed
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to partial shade in extreme heat.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings

Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting foliage; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

Use a mix of cactus soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); thrives in heat but can tolerate mild cold.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; monitor heat stress signs.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer

Fertilize sparingly to avoid leggy growth; apply in early morning or evening; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and humid.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing

Environment

Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix

Hormone

Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; establish in 6–8 weeks

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; avoid overwatering.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips, cut just above a leaf node, and remove spent flowers

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth

Tools

Pruning shears, sharp scissors, gloves

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune in early morning; remove dead/damaged growth; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins

Pot Size

One size larger pot (1–2 inches wider in diameter)

Method

Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; beneficial for growth and health

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring the root zone is moistened. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage in prolonged cold.

Solution: Provide frost protection, move indoors in cold climates, or use row covers.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; flowering may decrease in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase watering, and ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Verbena halei may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as spider mites or aphids. It can also result from environmental stress, such as excessive sunlight or poor soil conditions.

Wilting in Verbena halei is often a sign of water stress, either due to under or overwatering. It can also be caused by root rot or pest infestations that damage the root system, impairing water uptake.

Leaf spots on Verbena halei may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, such as Cercospora or Xanthomonas, leading to defoliation and reduced photosynthetic efficiency if severe.

Rotting in Verbena halei is typically associated with root or stem rot, often caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil, leading to fungal infections like Fusarium or Pythium. This can result in plant death if not addressed promptly.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Verbena halei is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested or handled.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are required for cats around Verbena halei.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Verbena halei is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested or handled.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are required for dogs around Verbena halei.
Humans
Non-toxic

Verbena halei is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for handling and consumption.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are required for handling or growing Verbena halei.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Verbena halei toxic to pets?

A: No, Verbena halei is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: How often should Verbena halei be watered?

A: It is drought-tolerant and requires infrequent watering, especially once established.

Q: Does Verbena halei attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Verbenaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Climbing Verbena
View
Yellow Lantana
View
Roosevelt weed, Mexican oregano, Hierba Luisa
View
Swan Hill Lantana
View