Verbena: Vampire Myths, Symbolism and Growing Tips

This article was prepared with the support of UFL flower delivery. Many people first heard of vervain (verbena) from The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017), where the herb protects the characters from compulsion and bites. But the plant has its own, much older story, and a few namesakes that are often confused.

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Verbena and vampires: where the myth comes from

Vampires are not afraid of vervain, if only because vampires do not exist. The screenwriters drew on European folklore, in which vervain was a charm against evil spirits, witchcraft and disease. In classic vampire legends the main weapons are garlic, an aspen stake and silver; vervain became famous through the series and the books by L. J. Smith.

History and symbolism

The Latin word verbena meant sacred boughs used in rituals. The Romans decorated altars with them, and fetial envoys carried them as a sign of inviolability. Ancient writers called the plant "Hercules' herb", "tears of Isis" and "blood of Mercury", and Celtic druids gathered vervain for purification rites. In the Middle Ages it was known as the "herb of grace" and worn as an amulet.

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The popular link between the name and Veneris vena, "the vein of Venus", is most likely a folk etymology, yet it made verbena a symbol of love and attraction. In the language of flowers verbena means enchantment, sincerity and protection, so it is a fitting addition to a bouquet for someone you wish good luck.

Types of verbena

• Common vervain (Verbena officinalis) is an unremarkable wild herb with tiny pale lilac flowers. This is the plant of legends and herbalists.
• Garden verbena (Verbena × hybrida) is a bright annual with domed clusters of white, pink, red, blue and purple flowers. It blooms from June until frost.
• Purpletop vervain (Verbena bonariensis) is tall and airy, with lilac clusters on thin stems, and looks great in naturalistic gardens and bouquets.
• Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is a shrub from a different genus. Its lemon scent is the one used in teas and perfumes, including well-known "verveine" colognes.

Medicinal properties: what is known

Common vervain has long been used in folk medicine as a calming herb, for colds and as a gargle. There is little modern clinical evidence for these effects, and stories about curing epilepsy, leprosy or depression, or about aphrodisiac powers, are folklore. Vervain is not recommended during pregnancy. Use any herbal remedy only after talking to a doctor.

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How to grow verbena

1. Sowing. Sow garden verbena for seedlings in February–March; seedlings appear in 1–3 weeks at 20–25 °C. Purpletop vervain often benefits from cold stratification.
2. Planting out. Plant outdoors after the last frost, in mid-May, 20–30 cm apart.
3. Position. Full sun and light, free-draining soil; verbena cannot stand waterlogging.
4. Care. Water moderately, feed with a balanced fertiliser every 2–3 weeks and deadhead to keep it flowering.
5. Problems. Powdery mildew can appear in wet summers, so do not plant too densely.

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Verbena is lovely in edging, containers, hanging baskets and on balconies, while purpletop vervain shines among ornamental grasses. Many purple varieties would fit right into our guide to purple flowers.

Verbena in floristry

Cut purpletop vervain lasts about a week in a vase and gives a bouquet an airy feel. Garden verbena is cut less often because its florets drop sooner, but it is charming in small arrangements and buttonholes.

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FAQ

Does vervain really protect against vampires?

No. It is a plot device based on old beliefs about vervain as a protective charm.

Is verbena an annual or a perennial?

Many verbenas are perennial in the wild, but in Ukraine garden and purpletop verbena are grown as annuals; the latter may self-seed.

Can you drink verbena tea?

"Verbena" tea is usually made from lemon verbena (Aloysia). If you have a chronic condition or are pregnant, check with your doctor first.

Rather give a real bouquet than a protective herb? Choose an arrangement with flower delivery in Kyiv from UFL.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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