Verbena officinalis , commonly known as vervain , is a wild plant renowned for its many beneficial properties, widely exploited for generations in various traditional medical and therapeutic practices. Here is a complete overview of this fascinating plant:
Characteristics : Verbena , a member of the Verbenaceae family, has its origins in Europe where it often thrives along paths and in meadows. Although classified as a perennial plant, it is often grown annually. This plant generally reaches a height of 20 to 40 cm and is distinguished by its branched and erect stems, bearing oval and serrated dark green leaves. Its tubular, pale purple flowers bloom from June to October at the ends of the stems.
Cultivation and planting : Verbena blooms fully in direct sunlight and thrives in well-drained soils. For poor or calcareous soils, the addition of well-decomposed compost is recommended. Sowing can be done under cover from March-April or directly in the ground from mid-May, after the last risk of frost. It is recommended to thin the plants to a distance of 3 to 4 cm as soon as the first leaves appear. The plants can be transplanted in pots when they reach 4 or 5 leaves. Additionally, increased vigilance against slugs is necessary in spring.
Maintenance : Verbena requires little maintenance. Removing faded flowers encourages the appearance of new flowers. In pots, regular watering is necessary when the soil is dry. In late summer, adding fertilizer can stimulate flowering. As the first autumn frosts approach, uprooting the verbena is recommended, followed by drying the flowers and leaves for later use in winter infusions. Aphid control measures may be necessary depending on conditions.
Harvest and use : The harvest of flowers and flowering tops generally takes place from May to September, or even until October in regions with a Mediterranean climate. Verbena is used in various fields such as herbal medicine, aromatherapy and cosmetics. In cooking, it delicately flavors desserts and allows the preparation of infusions with a sweet and subtle flavor.