Verbena are typically grown for their flowers, which grow in a cluster and feature vibrant colors. These plants bloom from spring through fall in most climates. In hot, subtropical areas, Verbena can bloom through the winter. If your Verbena is not flowering or buds are not opening, check to make sure the plant is receiving enough light, space, and nutrients. Our guide can help you troubleshoot these factors to get your plant back to blooming.
Common Reasons Why Verbena Aren’t Blooming
Verbena are rather adaptable, so there are generally just a few reasons a plant may not be blooming.
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Light
Not enough sunlight is usually the problem when Verbena plants do not bloom, and the solution is easy: just move the plant to a sunny spot.
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Space
Verbena plants need room to spread out, and if grown in too small of a container, the plant may fail to bloom. Upgrade to a bigger container, give the plant time to acclimate, and the Verbena should bloom in a week or two.
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Pruning
If your Verbena is looking leggy and out of control, then pruning or cutting it back will help, but only trim back one-third of the plant at a time. Severe pruning may stunt the growth and prevent the plant from blooming. After an aggressive trim, be patient and give the Verbena time to grow back.
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Fertilizer
You found a sunny spot, gave the plant space, and even fertilized it, but still do not see flowers. Check the fertilizer you used. A nitrogen-rich fertilizer could be the issue. Nitrogen is a common ingredient in fertilizer, but it promotes lush foliage, preventing the plant from blooming. Switch to a 3-1-2 formula or a product that promotes blooms, but wait at least a month before feeding again.
Does Pruning Verbena Help Them Bloom
Pruning Verbena can help it bloom. Removing dead growth and spent flowers allows the plant to redirect energy into new growth. Giving the plant a trim can help it come back more full and lush. Just remember to only remove up to one-third of the growth at a time. Removing too much can backfire and cause the plant to focus on replacing its greenery instead of producing flowers.
Does Fertilizing Verbena Help Them Bloom
The right fertilizer can help Verbena bloom. Select a 3-1-2 fertilizer mix or any product designed to promote flowering. Read the packaging and always follow the instructions when feeding Verbena or any other plant. Avoid products high in nitrogen, which can diminish blooming.
How Do I Get Verbena To Produce More Blooms
Help your Verbena to bloom by providing the proper growing conditions conditions. Dialing in on the proper amount of light, water, and fertilizer can help the plant settle in and thrive, and a thriving Verbena will bloom all summer long.
Why Isn’t My Verbena Blooming
- Not enough light
- Rootbound
- Too much pruning
- Too much nitrogen
Sources: "Failure of potted verbena to bloom." Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. wildflower.org
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Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 13-12-2021 |