Verbena

Being a genus in the family Verbenaceae (a family of herbs, shrubs and trees), verbena (Vervain) contains about 250 species of annual and perennial herbaceous flowering plants; most species are native to the Americas and Europe.  Verbena is usually called common vervain or common verbena.  Known for its medicinal qualities, lemon verbena is used in herbal teas to aid digestion and relieve anxiety.  These plants are trouble-free, heat and drought tolerant, and love full sun with well-drained soil.  Verbena will tolerate poor soil as long as there is good drainage.

The verbena plant has deep green leaves and domed blossoms.  This plant will provide brilliant color throughout the summer with their shades of pink, white, peach, blue and purple.  It is a favorite for hanging baskets, and window boxes.  When dead blossoms appear, pinch back to keep verbena flowering throughout the summer; if you want a bushier plant, snip off the center stem.  Plant several so they will attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard.