Peruvian vervain Plant Care

Peruvian vervain (Glandularia peruviana) belongs to the Verbenaceae family within the Glandularia genus. Peruvian vervain is native to Bolivia, southern Brazil, northern Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Peruvian vervain is also known as Purple vervain.

Peruvian vervain displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Peruvian vervain produces small clusters of colorful flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Peruvian vervain every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Peruvian vervain thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Glandularia peruviana tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Peruvian vervain prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Peruvian vervain to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Peruvian vervain every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

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

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Peruvian vervain is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Peruvian vervain can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Peruvian vervain while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Peruvian vervain is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Peruvian vervain can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Peruvian vervain is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Peruvian vervain grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Peruvian vervain is native to Bolivia, southern Brazil, northern Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. In cooler regions, grow Peruvian vervain as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.