American blue vervain
Verbena hastata
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size2 to 6 feet tall1 to 2.5 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Purplish-blue
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
American blue vervain (Verbena hastata) is a perennial for borders, meadows, rain gardens, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet soil of most types. Its stiff, branched spikes rise like the arms of a candelabra. Blue-purple flowers open from the bottom of each spike upward. Bees visit the blooms, and bumblebees are important pollinators.
Pairs well with Joe Pye weed, Royal fern, and Pickerel weed.
Native range
Eastern North America.