Verbena is a genus of flowering plants, encompassing both annuals and perennials, prized for delivering continuous color throughout the warmer months. The plant is recognized for its small, distinct flowers clustered tightly at the tips of the stems. The specific shade depends entirely on the species or the cultivated variety selected. The wide range of available hues results from natural genetic diversity and extensive modern breeding efforts.
The Core Color Palette
The colors most frequently associated with verbena in garden settings are purple, pink, and red. Purple is often the dominant color in many garden varieties, ranging from deep violet to rich plum shades. These colors create a striking visual impact in containers and flower beds and are often found in trailing types.
Shades of pink are also prevalent, extending from soft, pale blush tones to vibrant magentas and fuchsia. The red palette includes brilliant scarlet and deep crimson hues. The small flowers, each typically having five petals, are grouped into dense, domed clusters or corymbs, contributing to the impression of a solid block of color. This clustered arrangement provides continuous color from spring until the first frost.
Expanding the Spectrum in Cultivated Hybrids
Modern horticultural breeding has expanded the verbena color range beyond traditional pinks, purples, and reds, primarily through the development of Verbena x hybrida. This hybrid group now includes colors such as pure white varieties, which offer a crisp contrast to darker shades.
The expanded palette also features lighter pastel tones, including pale lavender, soft peach, and apricot. Breeders have introduced vibrant oranges and bi-colored varieties to the market. These two-toned flowers may exhibit a contrasting “eye,” such as a white center set against a colored petal, or feature speckles or streaked patterns. These combinations are characteristic of the vigorous hybrid types often used in hanging baskets and window boxes.
Natural Variation Among Verbena Species
The colors seen in cultivated varieties are rooted in the natural pigmentation of the original Verbena species. The genus encompasses around 150 species, each with a characteristic flower color. For instance, Verbena bonariensis is recognized for its tall, slender stems topped with airy clusters of small, misty lavender-purple flowers.
Verbena rigida typically produces brilliant violet-purple blooms on rigid, upright stems. The native species Verbena hastata features distinct blue-violet flowers. This inherent color diversity across the native species serves as the genetic foundation that breeders utilize to create the array of colors available today.