Verbena Varieties: A Complete Guide to Species

Varieties of verbena : there are dozens of them around the world, divided into ornamental, aromatic and medicinal species, each with its own botanical characteristics, uses and ideal growing conditions.

• Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is the queen of lemon-scented infusions.
• Verbena bonariensis (Verbena bonariensis) is highly prized for garden ornamentation.
• Common vervain (Verbena officinalis) is the traditional European medicinal plant.
• Garden verbena (Verbena × hybrida) offers abundant blooms in many colours.
• Nodiflora verbena (Phyla nodiflora) is used as ground cover in warm regions.

What is verbena? Botanical family and diversity

The term "verbena" encompasses plants belonging primarily to the Verbenaceae, but also to the Lamiaceae family for some closely related species. The genus Verbena alone comprises several hundred species, native to North and South America, Europe, and Asia. This botanical diversity explains why verbena varieties exhibit such different profiles: some are creeping herbs, while others are upright shrubs that can exceed one meter in height.

Confusion between the species is common. In French herbalism, "verbeine" often refers to common vervain or lemon verbena, while in gardening, the word mainly refers to colorful hybrid verbenas. Understanding the botanical distinctions allows you to make the right choice depending on your purpose: infusion, decoration, or ground cover.

Most varieties of verbena share a few common traits: opposite leaves, flowers in spikes or corymbs, and a marked preference for sunny locations. Their differences lie in size, fragrance, hardiness, and associated traditional uses.

Lemon verbena: the star of herbal teas

Lemon verbena, known scientifically as Aloysia citrodora (formerly Lippia citriodora), is undoubtedly the most popular variety of verbena in France. Native to South America, it owes its name to its intense lemon scent, released as soon as its lanceolate leaves are crushed. It is a semi-hardy shrub that can reach two meters in height in mild climates.

Its leaves are harvested to prepare infusions prized for their fresh and slightly sweet aroma. In cooking, they flavor desserts, sorbets, and marinades. The plant flowers in summer with small mauve blossoms clustered in spikes. Discover which verbena to choose for your infusion according to your taste preferences and intended use.

Lemon verbena is not very hardy: it does not tolerate prolonged frosts below -5°C. In colder regions, it is advisable to grow it in a pot so that it can be brought indoors for the winter. Consult our guide on caring for potted lemon verbena to optimize its cultivation indoors or on a balcony.

Vervain: the European medicinal species

Common vervain (Verbena officinalis) is the only truly native species in Europe among the best-known varieties of verbena. It grows spontaneously in wastelands, roadsides, and dry meadows. Its appearance is unassuming: upright, branching stems, small, lobed leaves, and tiny lilac flowers arranged in slender spikes.

Historically, this plant held an important place in European folk medicine and in various Celtic and Roman traditions. It was used for its supposed calming and tonic properties. Today, it can still be found in some herbal preparations, although its use is far less widespread than that of lemon verbena in infusions.

From a cultivation standpoint, common vervain is much hardier than its cousin, lemon verbena. It tolerates cold, self-seeds readily, and requires little maintenance. It's an ideal plant for natural gardens or semi-wild spaces. If you'd like to learn more about growing this species, our guide to perennial garden vervain will provide you with helpful information.

Buenos Aires vervain: the tall and graceful ornamental

Verbena bonariensis (Verbena bonariensis) is one of the most spectacular verbena varieties for garden ornamentation. Native to South America, it is distinguished by its long, rigid, branching stems that can exceed 1.20 meters, topped with small clusters of exquisitely delicate purple-mauve flowers. Its airy, translucent form makes it a favorite choice for natural or English-style gardens.

This species is highly valued by pollinators: butterflies and bees frequent it assiduously throughout the summer and into autumn. It self-seeds readily from year to year, giving it a reputation as an easy and prolific plant. Its hardiness is moderate: it withstands mild winters but may die in regions with severe frosts.

Verbena bonariensis pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, echinacea, and sage. In a flower bed, it adds lightness and depth. Unlike other aromatic verbena varieties, it has no recognized medicinal or culinary uses.

Hybrid garden verbena: colorful and compact flowering

Garden verbena (Verbena × hybrida) is a hybrid species developed by horticulturists for its exceptional ornamental qualities. It is one of the best-selling verbena varieties in garden centers, particularly as seedlings for transplanting in the spring. It forms low, spreading clumps covered in dense umbels of flowers in a wide range of colors: red, pink, white, purple, orange, and bicolored.

Among the most popular cultivars are the 'Lollipop' series®, with its round, brightly colored flowers, and numerous other trailing varieties, ideal for planters and hanging baskets. This plant is generally grown as an annual in temperate regions, although it can be perennial in frost-free areas.

Hybrid garden verbena requires full sun and well-drained soil. It is susceptible to powdery mildew in damp weather, especially if there is poor air circulation. Regular but not excessive watering, combined with fertilizer for flowering plants, ensures continuous blooming from June until the first frosts.

Nodular verbena: a Mediterranean ground cover

Less well-known than other varieties of verbena, nodular verbena (Phyla nodiflora, formerly classified in the genus Lippia) is a creeping, ground-covering plant native to tropical and Mediterranean regions. It forms a dense carpet of small, oval leaves and produces tiny white to pale pink flowers clustered in rounded heads.

Its main advantage lies in its use as ground cover in dry, sunny gardens. It tolerates light foot traffic well and can even replace grass in some low-rainfall areas. It grows quickly and spreads by stolons, allowing it to rapidly cover large areas.

In some medicinal traditions of South Asia and Latin America, this species is used locally, but these uses are not part of recognized European herbal medicine. For the French gardener, it remains primarily a decorative and functional plant for arid areas or sunny terraces.

Comparative table of the main varieties of verbena

How to choose between verbena varieties depending on your objective?

The choice among verbena varieties depends primarily on what you're looking for. If your priority is to prepare homemade infusions with a lemony flavor, lemon verbena is essential. If you want an easy-to-grow, native medicinal plant, common verbena is more suitable. For a colorful, flowering garden, garden hybrids or Verbena bonariensis will be your best allies.

Here's a quick decision aid:

• For infusions: lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora)
• For traditional herbal medicine: common vervain (Verbena officinalis)
• For ornamental purposes in flowerbeds: hybrid garden verbena (Verbena × hybrida)
• For a natural garden and pollinators: Buenos Aires vervain (Verbena bonariensis)
• To cover dry soil: nodular verbena (Phyla nodiflora)

If you are hesitating between lemon verbena and other aromatic plants with a lemony fragrance, our lemon verbena vs. lemon verbena comparison will help you decide according to your specific needs.

Growing the different varieties of verbena in the garden

Regardless of the species chosen, verbena varieties share one common requirement: they love the sun. A south- or southwest-facing location, with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, is ideal for most of them. Well-drained, light, and not too rich soil suits the majority of species.

Propagation methods vary depending on the species. Lemon verbena is primarily propagated by taking semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Our guide on propagating lemon verbena by cuttings details the precise steps for successful propagation. Hybrid verbenas, on the other hand, are generally purchased as seedlings or sown indoors in spring.

Watering should be moderate: most verbena varieties dislike excessive moisture, especially at the roots. Mulching around the base of the plants helps retain soil moisture while suppressing weeds. If leaves are turning yellow, there are several possible causes: consult our article on yellowing lemon verbena leaves to diagnose the problem.

Varieties of verbena in pots: practical advice

Growing lemon verbena in pots is particularly well-suited to this tender plant, allowing it to be brought indoors for the winter. Choose a container at least 30 cm in diameter, with good drainage holes. A universal potting mix blended with sand or perlite ensures proper drainage.

Potted verbena varieties require more frequent watering than those planted in the ground, especially during the summer months. Check the soil moisture before each watering: the surface should be dry between waterings. Applying liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season promotes healthy growth and abundant flowering.

In autumn, before the first frosts, lightly prune the plant and place it in a bright, frost-free location. Spring growth will be facilitated by a more significant pruning and a gradual resumption of watering. For complete details, our comprehensive guide on caring for potted lemon verbena will walk you through the process step by step.

Varieties of verbena and precautions for use

Although verbena is commonly cultivated and consumed, certain precautions are necessary. Lemon verbena, used as an infusion, is not recommended in some specific situations. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor or pharmacist before regular consumption. Our article on verbena and pregnancy summarizes the available recommendations.

Lemon verbena also has potential contraindications that you should be aware of. Consult our article on the contraindications of lemon verbena to identify situations in which it is best to avoid this plant or limit its consumption.

For all varieties of verbena used for medicinal purposes or as dietary supplements, always follow the dosage indicated by the manufacturer or recommended by a healthcare professional. If you are currently taking medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist before introducing a new herb into your routine.

Varieties of verbena and their plant compounds

The different varieties of verbena contain plant compounds—notably polyphenols and flavonoids—in varying proportions depending on the species. Lemon verbena is particularly rich in aromatic compounds, which give it its characteristic fragrance. Common verbena, on the other hand, contains specific compounds that have attracted the attention of phytochemists, although definitive conclusions have not yet been reached regarding most of its traditional uses.

These plant compounds are sensitive to heat, light, and humidity. To best preserve the qualities of dried leaves, store them in an airtight jar, away from light and moisture. Fresh lemon verbena leaves can also be frozen to extend their shelf life.

It is important not to extrapolate the properties of one species to another: varieties of verbena have distinct chemical profiles, and what is true for common verbena does not necessarily apply to lemon verbena or Buenos Aires verbena.

Harvesting and preserving verbena varieties

The ideal harvest time varies depending on the species, but for most varieties of verbena used for aromatic or medicinal purposes, harvesting is best done just before or during flowering, when the concentration of aromatic compounds is generally highest. Choose healthy stems, free from any signs of disease or pests.

To dry the leaves, make small bunches and hang them upside down in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight. Drying usually takes one to two weeks, depending on ambient conditions. You can also use a dehydrator at a low temperature to speed up the process while preserving the aromas.

• Harvest preferably in the morning, after the dew has disappeared.
• Avoid washing the leaves before drying to prevent mold growth.
• Store in airtight glass jars, away from heat and light.
• Label each jar with the species name and harvest date.
• Consume within the year to best enjoy the aromas and properties.

Varieties of verbena in the natural garden and biodiversity

Several varieties of verbena play a valuable role in garden biodiversity. Verbena bonariensis is particularly renowned for attracting butterflies, especially tortoiseshell and white butterflies, as well as bees and bumblebees. Its long flowering period, from July to October, makes it an important source of nectar for pollinators at the end of the season.

Common vervain, though more discreet, is also visited by numerous pollinating insects. By allowing a few plants to self-seed naturally in a corner of the garden, you help maintain a floral resource for local wildlife. Both species integrate perfectly into so-called "wild" or "meadow" gardens.

Hybrid garden verbena varieties, while less rich in nectar than wild species, remain attractive to certain pollinators. To maximize the ecological value of your garden, combine them with other nectar-producing plants such as sages, coneflowers, or agastaches.

Frequently asked questions about verbena varieties

How many varieties of verbena are there in the world?

The genus Verbena alone comprises several hundred species, in addition to closely related species such as Aloysia and Phyla, often called verbenas. In gardening and herbalism, five to ten species are commonly cultivated or used in Europe. Ornamental hybrid verbena varieties, however, are far more numerous thanks to horticultural selection.

What is the difference between lemon verbena and common verbena?

These are two botanically distinct species. Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is a shrub native to South America, with a strong lemon scent, used primarily for infusions and cooking. Common verbena (Verbena officinalis) is a more discreet herbaceous plant native to Europe, historically associated with folk medicine. Among the various verbena varieties, they do not have the same uses or the same aromatic profile.

Is Buenos Aires vervain invasive?

Verbena bonariensis (Good Aires vervain ) self-seeds readily and can colonize neighboring areas if allowed to go to seed. It is not considered an invasive species in mainland France, but it is advisable to cut off the faded flower heads before the seeds mature if you wish to control its spread. In natural gardens, its self-seeding is often welcome.

Can all varieties of verbena be consumed as an infusion?

No. Only lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is commonly used for infusions in Europe. Verbena officinalis can also be used in herbal teas in traditional herbal medicine, but with caution. Ornamental varieties of verbena (hybrids, Buenos Aires, nodiflora) are not intended for consumption.

How to visually distinguish the varieties of verbena?

Lemon verbena is recognizable by its long, rough, lance-shaped leaves and intense lemon scent. Common verbena has deeply lobed leaves and slender, upright stems. Verbena bonariensis is distinguished by its considerable height and its violet-mauve flowers in small, airy clusters. Garden hybrids form low, colorful clumps. Scent and leaf shape are the two most reliable indicators.

Are verbena varieties suitable for growing in pots?

Yes, several varieties of verbena grow very well in pots. Lemon verbena is particularly well-suited to this method, which allows it to be brought indoors for the winter. Garden hybrids are also very popular in window boxes and hanging baskets. Choose a sufficiently large container with good drainage, and water regularly but not excessively.

Which verbena should I choose to attract butterflies?

Verbena bonariensis (Bordeaux vervain ) is the champion at attracting butterflies to the garden. Its purple-mauve flowers, produced in abundance from summer to autumn, are highly prized by lepidoptera. Among ornamental verbena varieties, it is the number one choice for promoting biodiversity in a natural or meadow garden.

Is lemon verbena perennial or annual?

Lemon verbena is a perennial shrub in regions with mild winters (areas without prolonged frost). In colder regions, it is often cultivated as a semi-hardy plant that is brought indoors for the winter. Among the verbena varieties, it is one of the least hardy, unlike common verbena (Verbena officinalis), which is fully perennial and very resistant to cold.

How to propagate different varieties of verbena?

The method varies depending on the species. Lemon verbena is mainly propagated by taking semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Common verbena and Verbena bonariensis self-seed or can be sown in spring. Garden hybrids are generally propagated by sowing seeds under cover or purchased as seedlings. Division of clumps is possible for some perennial species.

Are the varieties of verbena resistant to disease?

Hybrid verbena varieties are susceptible to powdery mildew, especially in warm, humid weather or when air circulation is poor. Lemon verbena can be affected by aphids or spider mites in dry conditions. Common verbena is generally more robust. Proper spacing between plants, a sunny location, and judicious watering reduce the risk of disease.

Can different varieties of verbena be used in cooking?

Lemon verbena is the only variety commonly used in cooking among the verbena species. Its leaves flavor desserts, sorbets, creams, syrups, and some marinades. It can also be used to flavor hot or cold drinks. The other species are not used in cooking in Europe, and some are not intended for consumption.

Where can I buy plants of the different varieties of verbena?

Garden centers typically offer the most common verbena varieties in spring: garden hybrids, Verbena bonariensis, and lemon verbena. For rarer species like Verbena officinalis or Verbena nodiflora, you may need to visit nurseries specializing in medicinal or native plants. Seeds of several species are available from specialist seed suppliers.

Key takeaways

Verbena varieties form a rich and diverse botanical group, ranging from a prized aromatic herb used in herbal teas to a spectacular ornamental for the summer garden. Understanding the differences between lemon verbena, common verbena, Verbena bonariensis, and garden hybrids will help you make the right choice for your project—whether culinary, medicinal, or decorative. Verbena varieties adapt to many growing conditions, provided their sun and drainage requirements are met.

To begin, identify your main objective: if you want to make homemade infusions, choose lemon verbena; if you want to beautify your garden while encouraging pollinators, Verbena bonariensis or colorful hybrids will be your best allies. Don't hesitate to grow several species to benefit from the complementary nature of their uses and blooms.