Verbena hastata, ‘Blue Spires’ seeds – (Blue Vervain)

Description

Picture thanks to Jelitto seeds https://www.jelitto.com

Verbena hastata  is a different plant from most commonly seen Verbena. It is  hardy through most winters , and if it is sited in a sunny well drained spot its sheer volume of flowers make it a real winner. It is becoming very popular.

Verbena hastata ‘Blue Spires’ produces stems of flowers which branch like large candles on an old world dinner table with lovely blue flowers which are produced in volume at the tips of the stems.

The flowers come in mid summer and bloom through into late autumn.

Grow plants together in groups for the best effect. Pinch back when first planted to encourage branching. Water deeply to encourage root growth.

If the seed is sown early it will flower in the same year. Cut flowers regularly to encourage growth and to prolong flowering .  Deadhead if you do not want it to self-seed, and there will be another flush in autumn if you have deadheaded. Cut back old growth in spring once new shoots emerge at the base.

This plant is easily grown in average,  to medium,  moist soils in full sun. It is a hardy plant and  does not need staking, and gives an abundance  of mid to late summer colour in the garden. The plants can also be used to advantage  in a container.

Sowing advice

Sow indoors in  spring. Sow into moist well-drained seed compost. Just cover the seed with vermiculite or soil. Put the pot into plastic bag and seal. Place in door of fridge for 12 weeks. Then bring out of fridge and propagate at 18-21°C. This can have very slow and erratic germination(14-90 days). Do not moisten the soil again until after germination. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 8cm pots. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed 30cm apart.