Verbena hastata.
Blue Vervain is a perennial wildflower native to every region of the United States where it can often be found growing moist meadows and alongside rivers and streams.
Plant grows to about 5 feet in height and produces tall spikes of small, tubular, violet-blue flowers that bloom from July through September.
Attracts numerous species of bees and butterflies and is an important food source for many types of birds and small mammals.
Blue Vervain
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8 Light Requirement: Full to partial sun Soil Type: Clay, loam, sand Sow Depth: Surface Plant Spacing: 18 to 24 inches Germination Note: Cold stratification required Stratification Time: 30 days Bloom Time: July through September Growing Tips
Direct sow seeds in late fall by lightly pressing the seeds into the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30 days before planting.
A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.