The Verbena – Beautiful and Useful at the Same Time

The Verbena is one of the most popular balcony flowers and looks great both in pots and in garden beds. But it’s not just beautiful – the Verbena offers much more.

If you have a Verbena in your garden or on your balcony, you’ll definitely never get bored. Verbenas are particularly popular with insects and attract butterflies with their spicy scent.

The Verbena belongs to the verbena family and is native to the sunnier regions of the world. It grows in southern Brazil, South America, and Argentina. However, these sun-loving plants now thrive in the weather conditions of our local gardens as well. Verbenas are not particularly demanding and only require a sunny and warm location. Even summer heat is no problem for the plant. The newer cultivars are even resistant to wind and weather.

There are now over 3,000 different species of verbena worldwide. Those who cultivate verbena in their own gardens can benefit from the plant's properties. Since ancient times, verbena has been regarded as a popular and effective medicinal plant. In the past, it was primarily used to alleviate symptoms of rheumatism and treat external wounds. Today, verbena is found in combination with other medicinal herbs in medications for colds, bronchitis, and sleep disorders. However, as with all medicinal plants, it is important to remember that the quantity of active ingredients determines the toxicity. Verbena contains the glycoside verbenalin, which has a mildly toxic effect and can cause consequences if consumed in excessive amounts.

Verbena is also used in cosmetic products. Our neighbors in France use the digestive benefits of verbena as a remedy after a heavy meal. As tea, verbena helps pregnant women promote milk production. To make verbena tea, about a teaspoon of the finely chopped plant is poured with boiling water, left to steep for 10 minutes, then strained and consumed. So, the plant is not only beautiful but also beneficial for beauty. How practical!