Verbena stricta

Verbena stricta: Hoary Vervain

A tough, sun-loving native with a wild elegance, Verbena stricta sends up narrow spires of soft lavender-purple flowers from mid-summer into early fall. Each fuzzy bloom spike is stacked with tiny florets that open gradually upward, drawing a steady parade of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its hoary, grey-green foliage and upright form add texture and movement to naturalized plantings, prairie-style borders, or restoration projects.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm
• Spread: 30–45 cm
• Flower Colour: Lavender-purple
• Flowering Period: July to September
• Foliage: Soft, grey-green, ovate leaves with a sandpapery texture
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Dry to average, well-drained soils; tolerates sandy or rocky conditions

Uses and Benefits: Excellent for native plant gardens, pollinator meadows, and xeriscaping. It thrives in poor soils and tough heat, and once established, requires little to no irrigation. Its late-summer bloom fills a valuable ecological gap, offering essential nectar when few other natives are in flower.

Companion Plants: Combine with Echinacea pallida, Schizachyrium scoparium, and Solidago 'Fireworks' for a prairie-inspired trio that offers upright form, late colour, and strong support for pollinators.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Avoid rich or moist conditions that may cause floppiness. Deadheading is unnecessary, though cutting back in fall or early spring can tidy the plant. Allow to self-seed if naturalizing is desired.

History: Native to the central and eastern U.S., Verbena stricta is a pioneer species in prairie and glade habitats. Its drought tolerance and pollinator value have made it a staple in ecological landscaping and restoration efforts.

Final Thoughts: Resilient, understated, and ecologically essential, Hoary Vervain brings a graceful vertical presence to sun-drenched spaces while feeding native bees and butterflies when they need it most.