Long lavender spires grace the unforgettable native perennial, Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta). Enjoy many months of cool-toned color every year from this incredible prairie wildflower.

These fetching plants play an important role in Butterfly and Pollinator Gardens. Serrated Hoary Vervain leaves are roughly toothed and covered with dense hairs; they play the role of host plant for the Common Buckeye caterpillars.

Planting and Application:

Over their blooming season, the blue-violet flowers open from the base upwards along the length of the densely-packed spike cluster. You'll have a lavish display of long-lasting flowers with these charming herbaceous perennials.

• Hoary Vervain is a well-behaved, clumping plant. Even after the blooms are finished for the year, the dried spires capture and sculpt frost and light snowfall for an architectural boost of winter interest.
• Nectar-rich flowers from May through September provide an important resource for beneficial pollinators. They support beautiful Monarch butterflies as they prepare for their long annual migration.
• Plant them in long drifts in the summer garden for a fantastically modern visual effect. Pair Hoary Vervain with the earlier blooms of Bee Balm for an extended series of dynamic blooms.
• Hoary Vervain is one of the most dramatic wildflowers and NatureHills.com is so excited to offer these important North American prairie natives. You'll appreciate that we work with Plant Sentry™ to ensure we follow all state regulations on plant material to protect your local ecology.
• Even without a yard, gardeners can grow Hoary Vervain in deep pots. Like most prairie plants, they have long roots…pick the right pot to support their growth.

#ProPlantTips for Care: 

Once established, Hoary Vervain performs well in dry, well-drained soil conditions. Select the narrower Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) if your soil stays soggy after a rainfall.

• Plant them in full sun for the best results. Verbena stricta requires at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.
• For the first year, provide a moderate amount of water on a regular basis. Get expert watering tips from the NatureHills.com Horticulture Team.
• Wait until late winter to prune the dried foliage back. WIth the hairy leaves, deer don't prefer the taste…use repellent spray if you have deer in your area.