How Much Space to Leave Between Each Verbena Plant

Verbena is a popular plant that is known for its vibrant and colorful blooms. It is a low-maintenance plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. When it comes to planting verbena, one of the most important factors to consider is the spacing between each plant.

The amount of space you need to leave between each verbena plant depends on several factors, including the variety of verbena you’re planting, the size of the plants at maturity, and the overall layout of your garden or landscape. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how much space to leave between each verbena plant.

Factors to Consider

Before we dive into the specifics of verbena spacing, it’s important to understand the factors that can influence the amount of space you’ll need to provide for your plants. Some of these factors include:

• Variety of Verbena: There are many different varieties of verbena available, and each one has its own unique growth habits. Some varieties, like trailing verbena, spread out horizontally and require more space to grow. Other varieties, like upright verbena, grow vertically and may require less space.
• Size of Plants at Maturity: The size of your verbena plants at maturity will also play a role in determining how much space you need to leave between each plant. Some varieties may only grow a few inches tall, while others can reach up to two feet in height.
• Overall Layout: The overall layout of your garden or landscape will also affect how much space you have available for planting. If you have limited space, you may need to plant your verbena closer together than you would if you had a larger area to work with.

Spacing Guidelines

With these factors in mind, here are some general guidelines for how much space to leave between each verbena plant:

• Trailing Verbena: Trailing verbena varieties require the most space, as they can spread out horizontally up to three feet or more. To provide enough room for these plants to grow, you should space them at least 12-18 inches apart.
• Upright Verbena: Upright verbena varieties grow vertically, so they typically require less space than trailing varieties. For these plants, you can space them 8-12 inches apart.
• Mixed Planting: If you’re planting a mix of trailing and upright verbena varieties, you should aim to provide 12-18 inches of space between each plant.

It’s important to note that these are just general guidelines, and the spacing between your verbena plants may vary depending on the specific variety and conditions in your garden or landscape. Always read the planting instructions for your specific variety of verbena before planting.

Tips for Planting Verbena

In addition to spacing, there are a few other tips to keep in mind when planting verbena:

• Choose a Sunny Location: Verbena plants thrive in full sun, so be sure to choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Prepare the Soil: Verbena prefers well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Amend your soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
• Water Regularly: Verbena plants need regular watering to thrive, especially during hot, dry weather. Water deeply once a week, or more frequently during periods of drought.
• Fertilize Occasionally: While verbena doesn’t require heavy fertilization, a light application of balanced fertilizer once a month can help promote healthy growth and blooms.

FAQ

Q: Can I plant verbena in containers?

A: Yes! Verbena is an excellent choice for container gardens. Just be sure to choose a container that is at least 12 inches in diameter and has drainage holes in the bottom.

Q: How often should I deadhead my verbena plants?

A: Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, can encourage your verbena plants to produce more flowers. Aim to deadhead your plants once a week during the growing season.

Q: Should I prune my verbena plants?

A: Pruning can help keep your verbena plants looking tidy and promote healthy growth. Wait until after the first flush of blooms has faded, then trim back the plant by about one-third to encourage new growth and blooms.

In conclusion, the amount of space you need to leave between each verbena plant depends on the variety of verbena you’re planting, the size of the plants at maturity, and the overall layout of your garden or landscape. By following these spacing guidelines and other tips for planting and caring for verbena, you can enjoy beautiful, vibrant blooms all season long.