Brazilian Verbena (Campuloclinium macrocephalum)

Photo: Paul venterCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped

Brazilian Verbena Plant Care

Campuloclinium macrocephalum DC.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Eupatorium macrocephalum Less. aka pompom weed, is a cosmopolitan perennial plant belonging to the family of Asteraceae and regarded as an invasive weed in some countries. It is native to the southern United States, Central America, South America and was introduced to South Africa. It is classed as a principal weed in Brazil. In South Africa it has been cultivated as an ornamental, is often found on roadsides, and has become of concern for its invading of undisturbed climax grassland and wetlands since the 1960s. It is closely related to Siam weed, and is one of some 268 species in the genus.

🌱Herbs🌼Perennials🌻Annuals
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Brazilian Verbena?

Water Brazilian Verbena every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Brazilian Verbena Native To?

Native range22 countries

What Is the Brazilian Verbena?

Brazilian Verbena (Campuloclinium macrocephalum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Campuloclinium genus. Brazilian Verbena is native to the southern United States, Central America, South America and was introduced to South Africa. Brazilian Verbena is also known as Hardy Verbena, Campuloclinium macrocephalum, Campuloclinium pohlianum.

Brazilian Verbena displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Brazilian Verbena produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Brazilian Verbena?

Campuloclinium macrocephalum requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Brazilian Verbena Need?

Brazilian Verbena thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Brazilian Verbena Prefer?

Campuloclinium macrocephalum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Brazilian Verbena prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Brazilian Verbena?

Well-draining, loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Brazilian Verbena to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Brazilian Verbena?

Feed Brazilian Verbena every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a Brazilian Verbena?

Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Brazilian Verbena?

Brazilian Verbena can be propagated through seeds, division.

Is the Brazilian Verbena Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Brazilian Verbena, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Brazilian Verbena?

Brazilian Verbena is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Brazilian Verbena Need?

Brazilian Verbena grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. Brazilian Verbena is native to the southern United States, Central America, South America and was introduced to South Africa.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 8b – 11b

Keep exploring plants

Brazilian Verbena is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Campuloclinium genus — compare its care with other Campuloclinium species on PlantoScan.

Campuloclinium is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.

Brazilian Verbena thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Campuloclinium macrocephalum DC., family Asteraceae (first published in Prodr. 5: 137 (1836)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Brazilian Verbena, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Paul venter, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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