Common Vervain Seeds Verbena officinalis – Drought‑Tolerant Perennial Herb Pollinator Garden Plant

Description Common Vervain Seeds Verbena officinalis – Ancient sacred herb with slender lilac spikes and renowned healing traditions A statuesque perennial herb producing wiry, branching stems crowned with delicate spikes of pale lilac to soft pink flowers. Long revered in European herbalism, Common Vervain attracts bees and butterflies while offering subtle beauty to meadow plantings, cottage gardens, and medicinal herb beds. Easy to establish from seed, it rewards with a long summer bloom period and a quiet, ethereal presence. Common Name: Common Vervain, Vervain, Herb‑of‑the‑cross Latin Name: Verbena officinalis Plant Height: 24–36 in (60–90 cm) Seeds per Gram: ≈ 1,800–2,200 seeds/gram Life Cycle: Herbaceous perennial (hardy zones 4–8) Flower Color: Pale lilac to soft pink Non-GMO · Open-pollinated · Traditional medicinal herb · Excellent pollinator plant Common Vervain – Botanical & Variety Details Common name(s)Common Vervain, Vervain, European Vervain, Herb of the Cross, Simpler’s Joy, Holy Herb Latin nameVerbena officinalis – the classic wild species, valued since antiquity Mature height60–90 cm (24–36″) — upright, stiff, branching stems with tiny flower spikes Seeds per gram~1,800–2,200 seeds/gram (small, dust‑like seed requiring light for germination) Growth cycleHerbaceous perennial — returns each year from a woody rootstock; often blooms first year from early sowings Ornamental periodMidsummer to early autumn (6–8 weeks of delicate bloom, attractive even as seedheads) Unique trait Sacred historical herb · Subtle vanilla‑like fragrance · Highly attractive to bees, butterflies and beneficial insects �� Planting & Growing Guide �� Best planting seasonEarly spring indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost; can also be sown in autumn for natural stratification ��️ Ideal temperature60–70°F (15–21°C) for germination; established plants thrive in 60–80°F (15–27°C) ☀️ Shade requirementFull sun to very light shade (minimum 6 hours of direct sun). In hotter regions, afternoon shade is tolerated; full sun yields the most abundant flowering. �� Sowing rate (per m²)0.2–0.4 gram per square meter (approx. 360–880 seeds/m²) for a naturalistic, airy stand. �� Sowing depthSurface sow or barely cover (no more than 1/16 inch / 1–2 mm) — light is required for germination. �� Water & careKeep seedbed evenly moist until germination (14–28 days, sometimes erratic). Once established, Common Vervain is drought tolerant and low maintenance. �� Spacing after thinningThin or transplant to 12–15 inches (30–38 cm) apart to allow for mature clump size. �� Days to bloomApprox. 90–110 days from sowing (first flowers appear midsummer). Sun requirement: Full sun promotes the richest flowering and most robust upright habit. In shadier sites, stems may become lax and flower production reduced. Provide light afternoon cover only in the warmest regions. Pro sowing tip: For a traditional herb garden, space plants at 12″ apart in groups of 3–5. To create a hazy meadow effect, scatter 0.3 g/m² and lightly rake the surface. Cold‑stratify seeds for 2–4 weeks if germination is slow. Sowing quick guide: Spring or autumn · Full sun · 0.2–0.4 g/m² · Surface sow Germination 60–70°F | Full sun for best blooms Harvest flowering tops just as blooms begin to open for drying or fresh use. Common Vervain has a long history in herbal teas and tinctures. Deer resistant · Excellent for pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows, and historic herb plantings.