Verbena is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae (mint family). The common name verbena comes from the Latin word verbum meaning “word” or “speech”.
Vervain is a plant native to Europe and Asia. Both plants are known for their medicinal properties.
Verbena has a long history of being used for its therapeutic benefits. In ancient times, it was believed to have magical powers and was often used in love spells.
Today, it continues to be used for its calming and soothing properties. Vervain, on the other hand, is primarily used to treat digestive issues. It can also help with anxiety, insomnia, depression, and stress.
The two herbs work together to bring you calmness and relaxation. When combined they create an effect that is greater than either herb alone.
They both contain volatile oils which act as sedatives. This means that when you inhale the scent of these herbs, your body will relax.
You may feel sleepy, but this is only temporary. As soon as you stop inhaling the scent, your mind will become alert again.
Common Types Of Verbena
There are many types of verbena. Some varieties include:
• Common Verbenas – These are generally more fragrant and have a stronger aroma.
• Lavender Verbenas – These have a strong lavender fragrance.
• Lemon Verbena – This variety smells like lemon.
• Rosemary Verbena – This type of verbena smells like rosemary.
• Sweet Violet Verbena – This has a sweet smell similar to violets.
Types Of Verbenas According To Growth
There are many varieties of verbena. Some grow tall while others are short. Some grow upright while others grow sprawling. Some grow in full sun while others prefer partial shade.
Some grow in moist soil while others thrive in dry conditions. Some grow well in pots while others do best in the ground. The following table lists common varieties of verbena along with their growth habits and suggested uses.
Variety Name Suggested Uses Height (cm) Sun/Shade Moisture Needs How To Grow Common Verbena Taller plants grow faster and taller. Good for hanging baskets.
Partial Shade Tolerant of drought. Pots Prefers Well Drained Soil Long Term Care After Harvesting Remove all foliage from plant.
Cut back to one node. Place in a shady location until roots begin to develop. Plant in rich soil in full sun. Keep moist.
What Is Verbena? What Are Its Health Benefits?
Verbena is a member of the mint family. It’s native to Europe and Asia, although it is now grown throughout the world. In its natural environment, it grows wild on rocky hillsides and slopes.
It is often found growing alongside other herbs such as sage, thyme, oregano, marjoram, basil, chives, parsley, fennel, and dill.
The name “verbena” comes from the Latin word “verbenus” which means “of the herb garden.”
The leaves of verbena have a strong scent that ranges from mild to spicy depending upon the variety. The aroma is most noticeable when the plant blooms.
The flowers are usually white, but there are also pink, purple, red, blue, yellow, orange and even black arieties.
The leaves of verbena contain volatile oils that give the plant its characteristic fragrance. These oils include linalool, geraniol, nerol, citronellal, limonene, eugenol, methyl salicylate, carvone, camphor, borneol, cineole, menthol, thymol,
terpinen-4-ol, p-cymene, myrcene, alpha-terpineol, beta-caryophyllene, gamma-muurolene, delta-cadinene, spathulenol, guaia-3(10),11-diene, beta-bisabolene, and alpha-farnesene.
The leaves of verbena also contain flavonoids, saponins, polyphenols, alkaloids, coumarin, and quercetin.
These leaves are used medicinally to treat colds, fever, coughs, sore throats, headaches, stomachaches, indigestion, diarrhea, insect bites, skin problems, and toothaches. They may be added to teas or taken orally as an infusion.The leaves of the verbena shrub are used to make tea.
The tea has been used traditionally to treat digestive disorders, fevers, respiratory infections, and menstrual cramps. Although verbena is not recommended during pregnancy, some studies suggest that it might help prevent miscarriage.
The leaves of the verbena plant can also be used as a food source. They are commonly eaten raw or cooked in soups, salads, stews, and stir fries. They can be used like spinach.
They are high in vitamins A, C, B1, B2, E, K, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, and omega 3 fatty acids.
What Are Upright Verbenas
Upright verbenas are those with stems that stand straight up instead of drooping. These types of verbena are more common than trailing types. There are two main varieties: upright and trailing.
Both varieties have similar characteristics except that upright verbenas tend to flower earlier than their trailing counterparts.
Upright verbenas are good choices for containers because they don’t need support once they get established.
They prefer well drained soils and lots of sunlight. If you live in a humid climate, you will want to keep them in partial shade.
Trailing verbenas require more space than upright verbenas. They should be planted at least 12 inches apart. Their roots spread out over time, so they need plenty of room to grow.
Types Of Verbena Available To Purchase
There are many types of verbena plants available on the market today. Some are hybrids while others are species. Here are some of the most popular varieties:
• Alba
• American Beauty
• Black Prince
• Blue Star
• California Sunset
• Coral Bells
• Crimson Glory
• Dark Red Giant
• Double White
• Everlasting
• Golden Heart
• Green Gem
• Lavender Lady
• Lemon Queen
• Mariposa
• Midnight Sun
• Pink Delight
• Royal Velvet
• Silver Lace
• Snowflake
• Sweetheart
• Sunshine
• Superstar
• Tangerine Dream
• Tropical Paradise
• Viva Verde
• Wild Rose
• Yellow Gem
How To Use Verbena For Anxiety And Stress Relief
To use verbena for anxiety relief, simply add some drops of essential oil to your diffuser or vaporizer.
To use verbena for stress relief, place a few leaves into a bowl of hot water. Cover the bowl and let sit for about 10 minutes before drinking.
Other Ways To Use Verbena
You can also make a tea out of verbena by adding 1 teaspoon of dried leaves to boiling water and letting steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain and drink warm.
You can also make a compress using fresh verbena leaves. Simply cut off the stems and put them into a clean cloth bag.
Add a small amount of witch hazel or aloe vera gel. Tie the top closed and apply to the area where you need to relieve pain. Let dry then remove.
If you want to try something new, mix up a relaxing bath mixture using 2 cups of Epsom salt, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and 6 drops of verbena essential oil. Soak in the tub for 20 minutes.
If you would rather not take any chances, you can purchase herbal remedies online. There are several companies selling products made from verbena. Many of these products come in tincture form, so you can easily dose yourself.
How To Grow Verbena Plants
Verbena plants do best when they receive regular watering throughout the growing season. You can use either a drip irrigation system or a sprinkler system.
In areas where there is no rain, consider using a watering can or hose to provide moisture to your plants.
You can fertilize your verbena plants by adding composted manure to the soil around the base of each plant. This helps improve the growth rate of your plants.
Don’t add fertilizer too close to the stem of the plant. It could burn the foliage. Instead, apply it about 2 feet away from the stem.
You can prune your verbena plants regularly to encourage new growth. Pruning stimulates flowering. When you prune your plants, cut back only about one-third of the total length of the stem. Remove any dead or damaged parts of the plant.
If you notice aphids eating your verbena plants, spray them with insecticidal soap. Aphids feed off the sap of plants.
When planting your verbena seeds, make sure you choose a location that receives full sun. Avoid locations near trees and shrubs since these plants may compete with your verbena plants for light.
Planting your verbena seedlings in pots is recommended if you plan to move them indoors later on.
When you transplant your verbena plants outdoors, try to avoid direct sunlight. Try to place them in an area where they will receive indirect sunlight.
Transplanting your verbena plants into larger pots will help them grow faster. As long as you give your plants enough room to grow, you shouldn’t have problems with pests or diseases.
Tips For Growing Verbena Plants
- Select a sunny spot.
- Water your verbena plants regularly.
- Fertilize your verbena plants every month or two.
- Keep your verbena plants free of weeds.
- Cut back your verbena plants periodically.
- If you see aphids feeding on your verbena plants, use insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
- Check your verbena plants daily. Make sure they don’t dry out.
- Use a hand lens to check for insects.
- Spray your verbena plants with insecticidal soap if you find aphids on them.
- Prune your verbena plants to stimulate flowering.
Conclusion
To conclude, there are many types of verbena plants, and they have a.variety uses. The most common types of verbena plant include Blue Bells,
Dainty Daisy, Double Delight and Gardenia plants. However, the full list of verbena plants is far more extensive.
