Verbena hybrida — garden verbena
Verbena hybrida is the botanical name for the garden verbena, the long-flowering bedding plant that throws sheets of bright flower clusters all summer. It is the species behind our verbena range within the flower seed collection.
History & origin
Garden verbena is a hybrid group developed from several South American species, bred for their dense, colourful flower heads and spreading habit. Verbena has a long history as a valued herb and ornamental, the name carrying ancient associations with sacred and ceremonial plants.
The name reflects its making: Verbena is the old Latin name for sacred leafy branches, while hybrida simply marks this as a garden hybrid, bred from wild parent species rather than a single wild plant.
Botanical characteristics
A tender perennial grown as an annual, Verbena hybrida forms low, spreading or mounding plants topped with rounded clusters of small, five-lobed flowers in red, purple, pink, violet and white, often with a white eye, flowering tirelessly from summer to the frosts. Its spreading habit and long season make it excellent for containers and as bright ground-cover flowers, while the nectar draws bees and butterflies among our pollinator-friendly flowers.
Growing Verbena hybrida from seed
Sow under cover in early spring, covering the seed lightly as it germinates best in darkness, and keep it warm but not wet, as seedlings dislike overwatering. Plant out after the last frost into full sun and free-draining soil, and deadhead or trim to keep the colour coming all season. Our flower growing guide and flower sowing calendar cover the timing.
Ready to grow verbena? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.
Related categories: Verbena · Container Flowers · Ground-Cover Flowers · Pollinator Flowers · All Flower Seeds
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What is Verbena hybrida?It is garden verbena, a hybrid bedding plant grown as an annual for its dense, colourful flower clusters and long season.
Is garden verbena good in containers?Yes — its spreading habit and non-stop flowering make it excellent for pots, baskets and as ground cover.
When should I sow Verbena hybrida seeds?Sow under cover in early spring, covering seed lightly as it germinates best in darkness, and avoid overwatering. See our
flower sowing calendar for timing.
Does verbena attract pollinators?Yes — the nectar-rich clusters are a good draw for bees and butterflies through summer.