Verbena officinalis

Verbena officinalis is a floriferous perennial producing a multitude of light purple flower spikes. Its rounded, slender, and robust habit brings a lively lightness to the garden. This perennial is of medium hardiness. 

It is a 50cm (20in) tall herbaceous plant, with hairy, angular, branched stems that bear deciduous, opposite, long leaves, deeply divided into toothed lobes. From June to October, inflorescences grow at the ends of the stems in loose and thin spikes, with a multitude of light purple to pale-blue flowers.

It appreciates rich, dry, well-drained, non-calcareous soil in a sunny location. In its natural state, it grows on the edges of roads in dry and uncultivated terrain. It is used in flower beds and in pots on balconies or patios. It can be easily propagated by sticking a branch cutting into soil. It will survive harsh winters with protection and by ensuring it is not left in stagnant water.

It can be grown as an aromatic plant. Its leaves can be harvested and used as infusions to relieve neuralgia, rheumatism, and gastric pain. It makes an excellent circulatory tonic to treat heavy legs. When applied as warm compresses, the leaves also treat bruises and sprains.

Also known as Common verbena, it was the sacred herb of the ancient Greeks and the Herb of Venus for the Romans due to its virtues against various diseases. Its particular tannic acid even gave it the name Blood Herb, as it turned red when applied to the skin.

Tip: Protect it during winter by planting it against a sunny wall or in a pot to bring it indoors under a greenhouse.