Blue Vervain Verbena hastata f. rosea
ABOUT
The pink vervain, known as Verbena hastata f. rosea, is adorned with soft pink flower spikes that provide a soothing aesthetic to any garden. The lance-shaped leaves exhibit a striking green hue and are generally serrated, giving them a somewhat jagged appearance along the edges. The flowers, which are the most captivating feature, are arranged in narrow, elongated clusters, presenting a multitude of tiny blooms that are a haven for pollinators. Each individual flower is tubular, opening up to five petite lobes that create a delicate and intricate display. The plant typically blooms throughout the summer months, bringing a steady infusion of color and vibrancy to its surroundings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Verbenaceae.
Synonyms
Rose Vervain, Pink Vervain, Rose Mock Vervain, Rose Verbena, Rose Swamp Vervain.
Common names
Verbena hastata var. rosea.
ToxicityTo humans
Blue Vervain is generally not considered toxic to humans; however, as with any plant, some individuals may experience sensitivity or allergic reactions. If ingested in large quantities, it could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset or discomfort. It is advisable to use caution and consult with a healthcare professional before ingesting any part of the plant for medicinal purposes.
To pets
Blue Vervain is also not commonly known to be toxic to pets. Nevertheless, pets may also have individual sensitivities or allergic reactions to plants, including Blue Vervain. If a pet ingests a large amount of the plant, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always recommended to monitor your pet if they have ingested any part of the plant and to consult with a veterinarian if any adverse reactions are observed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators – Verbena hastata f. rosea is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, which can help pollinate plants.
- Drought tolerance – Once established, this variety of verbena is quite drought-resistant, which makes it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with lower water availability.
- Ease of care – It tends to require minimal maintenance, making it appealing for busy gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Aesthetic appeal – With its pink flowers, Verbena hastata f. rosea adds a splash of color to gardens, borders, and naturalized areas, enhancing the visual interest of the landscape.
- Wildlife habitat – The plant can serve as a food source and habitat for wildlife, aiding in the support and preservation of local ecological systems.
- Soil stabilization – Its root system can help prevent soil erosion, which is particularly beneficial on slopes or in area prone to erosion.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Verbena hastata f. rosea may be used to help reduce inflammation.
- Antipyretic: The plant has been traditionally used to help reduce fever.
- Anxiolytic: It might be useful in alleviating anxiety due to its potential sedative properties.
- Expectorant: Verbena hastata f. rosea is sometimes used to help expel mucus from the respiratory tract.
- Anti-diarrheal: There are historical uses of the plant for its possible anti-diarrheal effects.
- Analgesic: The plant may offer pain-relief properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ink and Dye: The flowers of the blue vervain can be used to make a natural ink or dye, which can impart a soft lavender hue to fabrics or paper products.
- Gardening: Blue vervain can bring height and structure to a flower garden, as well as attracting beneficial insects like butterflies and bees.
- Companion Planting: Blue vervain is believed by some gardeners to enhance the growth of certain plants when placed next to them, due to its tall stature and ability to attract pollinators.
- Flower Arrangements: The spiky flowers of blue vervain are sometimes used by florists in fresh or dried flower arrangements, adding unique texture and a wildflower aesthetic.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be used in educational settings such as schools or botanical gardens to illustrate native species and pollinator-friendly plant choices.
- Erosion Control: Blue vervain has a strong root system that can help in stabilizing soil and reducing erosion on riverbanks or slopes.
- Aquatic Landscapes: Blue vervain can be incorporated in rain gardens or near ponds where it can tolerate moist ground while attracting wildlife.
- Wildlife Habitat: As a native plant, it provides a habitat and nourishment for local fauna, particularly during its blooming season.
- Culinary Experiments: While not commonly used in cooking, the flowers may be used as an edible garnish or explore its use in creating herbal syrups.
- Photography: Because of its striking appearance, blue vervain can serve as an intriguing subject for nature and macro photography.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blue Vervain is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blue Vervain is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Verbena hastata f. rosea, commonly known as 'Blue Vervain,' has been associated with healing properties in various traditional medicine systems, signifying health and wellbeing.
- Purification: With its long-standing use in herbal medicine and rituals, Blue Vervain is often linked to cleansing and the purification of the physical and spiritual self.
- Tranquility: The plant's calming effects, particularly when used in tea for soothing nerves, have made Blue Vervain emblematic of peace and tranquility.
- Enchantment: Historically, Blue Vervain was used in potions and spells, which has led to its symbolism concerning enchantment and the mystical.
- Harmony with Nature: Growing in wild, natural settings, Blue Vervain symbolizes a connection and harmonic balance with nature and the environment.
WaterThe common name for Verbena hastata f. rosea is the Swamp Verbena. To maintain healthy growth, water Swamp Verbena deeply once a week to saturate the soil, applying about 1 gallon of water per plant each time. During periods of extreme heat or drought, you may need to water twice a week. Ensure the plant has well-draining soil to avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering frequency in the cooler seasons or when rainfall is abundant to prevent overwatering.
LightSwamp Verbena thrives best in full sunlight conditions, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Select a spot in your garden that is exposed to unfiltered, bright sunshine for the majority of the day to ensure optimal growth and flowering.
TemperatureSwamp Verbena fares well in a wide range of temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 75°F. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to 20°F and maximum temperatures up to 90°F, making it versatile for various climates. To ensure robust growth, try to maintain the plant within this ideal temperature range.
PruningPruning Swamp Verbena is important for promoting bushier growth and more blooms. Trim back the tips of the plant in the early spring to encourage branching. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Perform major pruning in the late fall or early winter, after flowering has ceased.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlue Vervain (Verbena hastata f. rosea) prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A good soil mix for blue vervain consists of garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite to aid drainage.
RepottingBlue Vervain typically does not need frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 2-3 years or as needed if it outgrows its container or the soil becomes depleted.
Humidity & MistingBlue Vervain thrives in average humidity conditions and does not require special humidity adjustments when grown in a garden setting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, regular watering.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Verbena hastata f. rosea, commonly known as Blue Vervain, begins with seed germination which occurs in late spring after the last frost, when the soil has warmed sufficiently. Seedlings emerge and establish a root system, followed by the growth of a rosette of leaves in the first year; during this vegetative stage, the plant stores energy for future flowering. In its second year and subsequent years, Blue Vervain sends up tall, erect flowering stems that can reach up to five feet in height. Mid to late summer marks the flowering stage, where small, rose-pink to purple flowers bloom in candelabra-like inflorescences, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination by these insects, the flowers develop into small, nutlet-like fruits which contain seeds that are dispersed by wind, water, or animals. The plant completes its cycle when it dies back after frost in the fall, leaving seeds in the soil to begin the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring to early summer
Verbena hastata f. rosea, commonly known as Blue Vervain, is often propagated through seeds. The most popular method involves sowing seeds directly into the ground in the fall, allowing the winter cold to naturally stratify them, which aids in germination. Alternatively, for spring planting, the seeds can be stratified in the refrigerator for a period of 4 to 6 weeks before sowing. To do this, the seeds are mixed with a little moist sand and placed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. After stratification, seeds are sown on the surface of a seed starting mix, as they need light to germinate, and kept at a temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 21 degrees Celsius), which typically leads to germination within two to four weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be pricked out into individual pots and grown on until they are large enough to be transplanted outdoors after the last frost of the season.
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