Photo: Michael J. PapayCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Brazilian Verbena Plant Care
Verbena brasiliensis Vell.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its vibrant clusters of purple flowers that bloom continuously throughout the summer, Verbena brasiliensis adds a pop of color to any garden. Originally from Brazil, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its ability to attract butterflies and bees, adding a touch of wildlife to any outdoor space.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
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 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Brazilian Verbena Native To?
What Is the Brazilian Verbena?
Brazilian Verbena (Verbena brasiliensis) belongs to the Verbenaceae family within the Verbena genus. Brazilian Verbena is native to parts of South America, namely Brazil. Brazilian Verbena is also known as Bushy Verbena.
Brazilian Verbena displays a spreading, low-growing perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Brazilian Verbena produces small, colorful clusters of flowers in shades of purple, pink, red, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Brazilian Verbena?
Verbena brasiliensis 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?
Verbena brasiliensis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Brazilian Verbena prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Brazilian Verbena?
Well-draining, fertile 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 annually in spring to refresh soil and encourage growth. 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, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to verbena aristigera plant care, which shares the same genus.
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, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Brazilian Verbena Need?
Brazilian Verbena grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Brazilian Verbena is native to parts of South America, namely Brazil.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7a – 10b
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 Verbena genus — compare its care with other Verbena species on PlantoScan.
Verbena is part of the Verbenaceae plant family — browse all Verbenaceae genera and species.
Brazilian Verbena thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Verbena Species
Other Verbena species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Verbena brasiliensis Vell., family Verbenaceae (first published in Fl. Flumin. 1: t. 40, 17 (1829)) — 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: Michael J. Papay, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 10b, 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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