Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) – Swamp Verbena for Wetlands & Gardens, Tall Purple-Blue Spikes, 100+ Seeds

Verbena hastata

Minimum: 100+ seeds

Enhance your garden with the natural elegance of Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata), also known as Swamp Verbena. This striking native wildflower is known for its tall, slender spikes adorned with clusters of lavender-blue flowers. Blue Vervain adds height, texture, and a touch of wild beauty to garden beds, wetlands, and meadows. Ideal for naturalistic landscapes, it attracts pollinators, enhances biodiversity, and thrives in moist, sunny environments.

Key Features:

• Elegant Lavender-Blue Blooms: Blue Vervain produces stunning spires of small, tubular flowers in shades of lavender-blue. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, the tall flower spikes bring vertical interest to garden beds and natural landscapes, swaying gently in the breeze and adding a delicate touch to any setting.
• Pollinator Magnet: This wildflower is a favorite among pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds flock to its nectar-rich blooms, making it an essential addition to any pollinator-friendly garden. It also attracts beneficial insects that contribute to garden health.
• Native, Wetland-Friendly Plant: Blue Vervain is native to North America and naturally thrives in moist, sunny habitats, including wet meadows, stream banks, and lowland areas. Its adaptability to wet soils makes it an excellent choice for rain gardens, water edges, and areas with fluctuating moisture levels.
• Natural Remedy: Traditionally, Blue Vervain has been valued for its medicinal properties, often used in herbal remedies for relaxation, digestive health, and overall wellness. While popular in herbalism, it also serves as a functional ornamental plant in garden spaces.
• Resilient and Easy to Grow: Despite its preference for moist conditions, Verbena hastata can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and loamy soils. It is resilient, adaptable, and grows well in both garden settings and wildflower meadows, spreading naturally over time.

Growing Tips:

1. Planting Location: Choose a sunny spot with moist to wet soil for best results. Blue Vervain thrives in full sun but can handle partial shade, especially in hotter climates. It’s an excellent choice for rain gardens, pond edges, and water gardens.
2. Sowing Instructions: Direct sow seeds outdoors in late fall or early spring. Seeds require cold stratification to germinate, so scattering them in fall mimics their natural life cycle. Alternatively, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, stratifying them for 4-6 weeks in the refrigerator. Lightly cover seeds with soil, as they need light to germinate.
3. Watering Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist during germination and early growth. Blue Vervain is a wetland plant that prefers damp soil, so regular watering will encourage lush, healthy growth, especially during dry spells.
4. Bloom Time: Enjoy beautiful lavender-blue blooms from mid-summer to early fall. Deadheading is not required but can prolong the blooming period, and allowing some flowers to go to seed will encourage natural reseeding.
5. Companion Planting: Verbena hastata pairs well with other moisture-loving plants such as Joe-Pye Weed, Cardinal Flower, and Swamp Milkweed. It’s also a great addition to mixed wildflower meadows for added height and pollinator appeal.

Uses:

• Pollinator & Wildlife Gardens: Blue Vervain attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, offering nectar throughout the growing season. It’s a perfect choice for anyone looking to support local pollinators and enhance biodiversity.
• Wetland & Rain Gardens: Due to its affinity for moist soil, Blue Vervain excels in rain gardens, wetlands, and along stream banks, helping to stabilize the soil and manage excess water. It can also be used to naturalize areas prone to flooding or dampness.
• Herbal & Medicinal Uses: Verbena hastata has a long history in herbal medicine, known for its calming, digestive, and detoxifying properties. While often used in teas and tinctures, the plant’s herbal qualities are complemented by its ornamental value in the garden.
• Wildflower Meadows & Natural Landscaping: Blue Vervain adds structure, color, and movement to wildflower meadows and prairie plantings. Its tall flower spikes contrast beautifully with shorter plants, creating a layered and dynamic landscape.

Why Choose Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)?

Blue Vervain is a must-have for those who want to blend ornamental beauty with ecological benefits. With its stately spikes of lavender-blue flowers, this versatile wildflower brings elegance and height to your garden while supporting a diverse range of pollinators. Its resilience and adaptability make it an ideal choice for natural, low-maintenance landscapes, wetland areas, and rain gardens. Plus, its herbal qualities add a functional element for those interested in traditional plant medicine.

Bring the wild beauty of Blue Vervain into your garden, and enjoy a burst of color, height, and beneficial wildlife activity throughout the summer months.