How to Grow Verbena in New Jersey

Verbena is a beloved flowering plant cherished for its vibrant colors, delightful fragrance, and versatility in garden settings. Native to the Americas, verbena thrives in various conditions, making it a popular choice among gardeners. If you’re looking to cultivate this beautiful plant in New Jersey, you are in the right place. This article will guide you through the essential steps to successfully grow verbena in your garden.

Understanding Verbena

Before diving into the cultivation process, it’s crucial to understand what verbena is and what makes it unique. There are several species of verbena, but the most commonly grown varieties include:

• Garden Verbena (Verbena bonariensis): Known for its tall stalks and clusters of small flowers that attract pollinators.
• Trailing Verbena (Verbena rigida): This type trails beautifully over pots and hanging baskets, making it an excellent choice for container gardening.
• Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora): While not typically grown for ornamental purposes, it’s prized for its aromatic leaves used in culinary applications.

These plants are perennial in warmer climates but are treated as annuals in New Jersey due to the cold winters. With proper care, verbena can bloom from spring until frost.

Choosing the Right Variety

When selecting verbena for your New Jersey garden, consider your specific needs:

• Color Preferences: Verbena comes in various colors, including purple, pink, red, white, and blue. Choose varieties that complement your garden scheme.
• Growth Habit: Decide if you want upright plants or trailing varieties based on whether you plan to plant them in garden beds or containers.

Some popular varieties for New Jersey include ‘Homestead Purple’, ‘Sissinghurst White’, and ‘Blue Spires’, which thrive well under local conditions.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Climate

New Jersey experiences a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Verbena grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-7, which covers most of New Jersey.

Sunlight

Verbena requires full sun for optimal growth. Aim for at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In shaded areas, verbena may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.

Soil Type

Verbena prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Sandy loam is ideal as it provides good drainage while retaining some moisture. Avoid heavy clay soils where water can accumulate as this can lead to root rot.

Moisture Levels

While verbena is drought-tolerant once established, it prefers consistent moisture during its early growth stages. Ensure the soil remains moist but not soggy. A layer of mulch can help retain moisture while preventing weed growth.

Planting Verbena

When to Plant

The best time to plant verbena in New Jersey is after the last frost date, typically around mid-to-late May. You can start seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last frost or purchase young plants from a nursery.

Starting from Seeds

If you choose to start from seeds:

1. Fill Seed Trays: Use a seed-starting mix.
2. Sow Seeds: Sprinkle seeds on top; they need light to germinate.
3. Water Gently: Mist with water to avoid displacing seeds.
4. Provide Warmth: Keep trays in a warm location (around 70°F).
5. Transplanting: Once seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves and the risk of frost has passed, carefully transplant them outdoors.

Direct Sowing

If you prefer direct sowing:

1. Prepare the soil by loosening it up and adding organic matter.
2. Scatter seeds evenly over the area and lightly cover them with soil.
3. Water gently.

Transplanting Young Plants

When transplanting purchased young plants:

1. Dig holes slightly larger than the root ball.
2. Place each plant in its hole and backfill with soil.
3. Water thoroughly after planting.

Care and Maintenance

Watering

During establishment (the first few weeks), ensure regular watering to help plants settle in. Once established, reduce watering frequency—verbena prefers slightly dry conditions rather than overly wet ones.

Fertilizing

Verbena does not require heavy fertilization; too much nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers:

• Use a balanced fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer at planting.
• For established plants, a light application of liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season will suffice.

Pruning and Deadheading

Keeping verbena tidy and encouraging more blooms involves regular pruning:

• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage new growth and prolong blooming.
• Pruning: In late summer or early fall, prune back leggy growth to maintain shape and vigor.

Pest Control

While verbena is relatively pest-resistant, it can be susceptible to aphids or spider mites:

• Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of pests.
• If you notice an infestation, use insecticidal soap or neem oil as a natural remedy.

In addition to pests, keep an eye out for diseases such as powdery mildew or root rot caused by excess moisture. Ensuring proper air circulation and good drainage will help prevent these issues.

Winter Care

In New Jersey’s colder climate, verbena is usually treated as an annual; however, if you’d like to try overwintering your plants:

1. Container Plants: Bring container-grown verbenas indoors before temperatures drop below freezing.
2. In-Ground Plants: Cut back perennials to about 4 inches above ground level and apply mulch around their base for insulation during winter.

Conclusion

Growing verbena in New Jersey can be a rewarding experience that brightens up your garden with vivid colors and attracts pollinators throughout the growing season. By selecting the right variety, preparing adequate growing conditions, and providing proper care, you can enjoy a flourishing display of these beautiful flowers from spring until frost.

Whether you’re using them as border plants in garden beds or cascading over containers on your patio, verbenas are sure to add charm and beauty to your outdoor spaces for years to come. Happy gardening!