Cultivating vibrant Verbena: a comprehensive guide to balcony greening in the UK

Here in the UK, there are mainly two types of verbena - common verbena and trailing verbena. The trailing verbena is most frequently seen adorning our balconies and terraces, while the common type is frequently encountered in parks. This is a plant that is relatively easy to grow. When properly cultivated, it grows to an impressive size, blooming with vibrant colours that catch the eye. Discover how to care for verbena so that it continues to delight until October.

Verbena thrives best in humus-rich, fertile and permeable soils. For this reason, purchasing flower plant soil is advisable, as it meets all of verbena’s soil requirements. If planted in sterile, sandy soil, the plant may not take root.

Beyond suitable soil, the location is also vital. Verbena requires ample light for growth, so it's optimal to place it in a very sunny spot. Planting verbena ought not to take place earlier than mid-May, shortly after the frost passes, ensuring there's no longer a risk of frost. By providing the correct soil and location, verbena flowers will grace our balcony from mid-May to October.

Verbena necessitates frequent watering. In spring and early summer, when the heat is yet to arrive, watering every two to three days suffices. During the heatwave, it's crucial to water the plant daily. Drought is definitely detrimental to it. It sometimes occurs that in the summer there are heavy rainfalls for several days. During such wet days, it's wise to remove the verbena from the balcony or terrace. Such heavy rainfall can lead to plant death.

Verbena, similar to petunia or geranium, requires fertilisation. The initial fertilisation should occur no earlier than three weeks after planting. But what type of fertiliser should be used for verbena? The ideal choice is one that is rich in phosphorus and potassium. It shouldn't be used more than once a week. The type of fertiliser used greatly matters. A conventional, universal fertiliser with a high nitrogen content may endanger the plant. Once these guidelines are followed, the flower will bloom beautifully for four months after planting.