Verbena plants are good for planters and hanging baskets, making them a versatile plant to feature in just about any outdoor space. Upright varieties can provide height to a planter, while trailing varieties look amazing as they gently cascade over the edge of a hanging basket. Verbena grown in pots require a bit more care, but they are still very easy to maintain.
Planting Verbena in Pots
Verbena can do an excellent job filling in a space, so select a large container, especially if you include other plants in the same pot. Drainage holes are necessary because Verbenas like to dry out between watering. Allowing excess water to flow through the pot can prevent overwatering and keep the plant blooming and healthy.
The pot material is not very important; Verbena can live very comfortably in terracotta, ceramic, plastic, or anything else. Select a pot that fits in with the space and matches the look you want. Plant Verbena in the spring and locate the container in a spot that gets lots of sunlight. Feel free to experiment with different locations until you find the perfect place.
Best Soil For Verbena in Pots
As long as a Verbena gets plenty of light, they are not fussy about anything else, including the soil. Verbena can grow in low-quality soil, but they prefer slightly acidic soil with 5.8 to 7.2 pH. Start the growing season off strong by mixing organic material, like compost or manure, into the soil when potting Verbena. Use soil with a slow-release fertilizer to support the plant throughout the summer and fall.
Caring For Verbena in Planters
Verbena are excellent container plants. They can dress up a patio planter or add color to a hanging basket. Whenever planting Verbena in a container, it is crucial to select a container with drainage. Verbena does not like to be wet for any length of time, and drainage holes in the pot ensure the soil and the plant dry out between watering.
Watering Verbena in Pots
Plants grown in pots dry out more quickly because they have a smaller space, and excess water drains away. Containers are great for Verbena, as established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant, and they like to dry out between watering. Container-grown Verbena usually needs water once a week, but feel the soil and water when the top few inches are dry to the touch. Monitor the plant during periods of drought and water as needed.
Fertilizing Verbena in Pots
Verbena in pots benefit from more frequent feeding. Feed Verbena in containers or hanging baskets once every 2 weeks while the plant is blooming. Use a 3-1-2 fertilizer or any mix intended to promote flowering. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging when applying fertilizer.
Winter Care For Verbena in Pots
Annual Verbenas in pots can be cut back when the plant dies back after the first frost. Perennial Verbenas can live all year in subtropical zones so remove spent flowers and dead growth throughout the year. In other growing zones, leave the dead growth of perennial plants throughout the winter and remove it in the spring. The dead growth will provide extra protection during the colder months.
Can Verbena Be Grown Indoors
Perennial Verbena can be grown indoors during the winter; however, the plants have very high sunlight and temperature requirements, so it may be challenging to keep the plant going. Under the right conditions, perennial Verbena can live all year. Without ideal conditions, the plant will go dormant for the winter.
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Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 13-12-2021 |