Slender Vervain

(Verbena rigida)

Slender Vervain (Verbena rigida)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Verbena rigida, commonly known as Slender Vervain, is an evergreen perennial herb native to open grasslands and sunny, disturbed sites in South America, particularly Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and a width of 1 foot (0.3 meters). Slender Vervain has stiff, upright stems and deep green, serrated leaves. From spring to fall, it produces clusters of vibrant purple flowers that are highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators.

The plant is valued for its extended blooming period and its ability to attract wildlife. It is often used in borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover due to its low maintenance and drought tolerance once established. Slender Vervain thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate a range of soil types. It is heat tolerant and can be grown in USDA zones 7-11. While it is generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. Deadheading will encourage more blooms. The species has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional performance in gardens. However, gardeners should be cautious as Verbena rigida can become invasive outside its native range, potentially outcompeting native flora.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open grasslands and sunny, disturbed sites in South America

Other Names

Common Names: Sand Paper Verbena , Hardy Garden Verbena , Prarie Verbena , Tuberous Vervain , Stiff Verbena , Upright Verbena , Ausläufer-Verbene , Violverbena , Jarvao , Large-Veined Verbena

Scientific Names: Verbena rigida , Verbena rigida var. rigida , Verbena venosa , Verbena rigida var. glandulifera , Verbena scaberrima , Verbena rigida var. obovata , Verbena rigida f. obovata , Verbena rigida var. glandulosa , Verbena rigida var. reineckii , Verbena bonariensis f. venosa

GBIF Accepted Name: Verbena rigida Spreng.