Last updated on May 22nd, 2023 at 11:41 am

Also known as Holy Herb, Cross Herb, and Devil’s Bane, verbena is a genus of the Verbenaceae family. Around 150 kinds of annual and perennial herbaceous or semi-woody blooming plants are part of this flower family. Most of the species are native to North and South America and Asia. The type species is Verbena officinalis, often known as common vervain or verbena, which is endemic to Europe.

The verbena flowers are several garden vervains of hybrid origin frequently cultivated for their magnificent spikes of white, pink, red, or blue flowers that bloom profusely throughout the season. The generic name refers to a holy plant to the ancient Romans. Pliny the Elder mentions verbena on Jupiter’s altars, although it’s unclear whether he meant a specific verbena or a generic word for excellent sacrifice plants.

The name comes from the plant genus Verbena, which dates back to Medieval Latin “the plant Verbena officinalis,” which signified a ceremonial or medicinal leafy branch.

Verbena, also known as vervain, is seen to be a mystical and sacred herb by many civilizations. The word “verbena” literally means “altar plant.” In Ancient Rome, this plant was considered to be holy. In temples, it was often placed on the altar. The altar was swept with vervain stems gathered together. The Druids and the Romans regarded verbena as a sacred and potent herb.

The popular name “Vervain” is derived from the old Celtic terms “fer” and “faen,” which mean “to remove” and “stone,” respectively, referring to its reputation for treating kidney stones.

What does the Verbena flower symbolize?

The verbena flower is connected with the many factors in which it grows and survives. Flowers communicate meanings subtly or covertly, and the verbena flower meaning is no different. Some individuals use verbena to make a prayer or well-wishes request. 

The verbena flower is often associated with romance and happy memories. A verbena flower’s meaning is tied to safety, healing, creativity, and joy. Representing happy emotions such as these, the verbena was often used extensively for healing in olden times.

This beautiful flower represents that “beautiful things do not last forever,” but while they live, they can bring a never-ending stream of happiness into people’s lives. It tells us to appreciate life and be our most creative selves.

All in all, the verbena flower symbolic meanings are:

  • holiness
  • divinity
  • faith
  • healing
  • creativity
  • happiness

Meaning of the Verbena flower colors

White color

The white vervain is a real form of the verbena blooms, often known as nettle-leaved vervain. The first thing to mind when you see white verbena is purity. Peace, honesty, grace, perfection, and humility are what they represent. 

White verbena flowers are often given to someone you admire and respect. They also imply sincere affection and faithfulness. It symbolizes divine, religious, and honest sentiments. The white blooms exude humility and grace.

Blue color

Blue verbena blossoms are uncommon, yet they are relaxing and soothing. Blue is linked with feelings of serenity, calmness, and creativity. Similarly, the blue verbena flower can be associated with tranquility, openness, and peace, relieving tension and anxiety. 

There are gorgeous blue flowers that might be a unique present to increase motivation.

Purple color

The fragrant, muted purple flowers develop mid-summer and provide a soothing sight for tired eyes until the first frost. The purple verbena flower is associated with regal hues that signify royalty, elegance, and pride. These beautiful purple verbena blossoms are a sign of hope and achievement. This color conjures images of majesty and pomp. It is a symbol of pride, dignity, and accomplishment. Purple blossoms are symbolic of appreciation and achievement.

Pink color

Pink is a gentle romantic color that conjures images of youth and joy. It represents delicacy, sensitivity, purity, and elegance. Pink verbena flowers are lovely and can be given to anybody you care about, from friends to family members. Lovely pink verbena flowers are a favorite Mother’s Day present. 

Pink is a hue associated with love. As a result, giving someone a pink verbena flower conveys your love and desire for them. Delicacy, tenderness, grace, adoration, and confidence symbolize a pale pink verbena. A dark pink verbena often represents the sentiments of thankfulness and appreciation.

Interesting facts about the Verbena flowers

  • The verbena flower has many healing properties. Menstrual difficulties, bronchitis, headaches, kidney stones, infections, arthritis, gout, diarrhea, cramps, anxiety, and sleeplessness can be treated with verbena.
  • It’s also used to help people recover from long-term illnesses. The herb may be a laxative with analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Although it has not been scientifically shown to be an effective treatment for depression, anxiety, or insomnia, it is often believed to be such.
  • In Christianity, verbena is thought to have been used to heal Jesus’ wounds when he was taken down from the crucifixion.
  • In appropriate conditions, they can attract butterflies. These include the Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Chocolate Albatross, and Pipevine Swallowtail. They also attract hummingbirds.
  • The verbena flower has the name ‘tears of Isis,’ given by the ancient Egyptians, who believed it originated from the tears of the fertility goddess Isis. That fits in nicely with folklore medicine’s claims of blood flow and bleeding promotion characteristics. It also explains some other names for verbena, such as Iron-Hardener, Medical Ironwort, True Iron Herb, and other variants on the subject.
  • It is useful for treating various illnesses in herbal and traditional medicine, including earaches, arthritic pain, and headaches.
  • Verbena has lovely little blooms arranged in circular clusters. This plant is often used in beds, borders, hanging baskets, and rock gardens because it is drought and heat tolerant. It was also used to fill crevices between stones and walls.

How to grow Verbena flowers

Verbena plants are low-maintenance annual or perennial that need little supplemental care yet will reward your landscape with months of bloom. 

  1. Plant the verbena in fairly dry, well-draining soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH.
  2. Amend the soil with compost.
  3. Choose a spot where they can receive at least six hours of sun daily; eight to 10 hours is much better.
  4. Water regularly until plants are established.
  5. Use a water-soluble fertilizer throughout the growing season if grown in containers.

How to care for Verbena flowers

  1. Once mature, give verbena plants an average of water (1/2 to 1 inch per week).
  2. Apply a balanced, slow-release flower fertilizer once a month to help them keep up the flower show.
  3. Cut back verbena plants once or twice per season to stimulate new blossoms and keep the plants full and tidy-looking. 
  4. Deadhead spent flowers.

Best time to gift Verbena flowers

Giving verbena flowers to someone in the hospital or healing from some physical or emotional strain is a great idea. In many cultures, the verbena is often believed to be a natural painkiller. It is even considered to be helpful against depression and anxiety. So giving these to someone who is ill can be giving them a positive symbol to get better.

The verbena flower is a great gift for someone beginning a new venture. This can be starting a new shop or moving into a new house. You will be inviting joy and happiness with them on their journey.

Similarly, you can also give verbena flowers to a new couple to commemorate their love for each other!

Conclusion

The verbena is a beautiful, sunny flower that represents many positive emotions. They are a wonderful gift to give your loved ones and a splendid flower to grow in your garden. 

The verbena flower tells us that no matter what life throws at us, we can heal from them alone. This message of healing and joy is something that we should carry with us at all times.

If you want to know and learn more about flowers, we at PansyMaiden can help you. Check out our fun, easy-to-read, and informative flower-related content that you will surely enjoy!