Are Verbena Perennials? Exploring the Lifespan of This Colorful Favorite in Southern California Landscapes

Wilzave Quiles Guzmán
Jul 21
3 min read

Verbena is one of the most beloved flowering plants for Southern California homeowners, prized for its vivid colors, drought tolerance, and ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. But many gardeners ask: Is verbena a perennial or an annual? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—it depends on the variety and your regional climate.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the different varieties of verbena, explain which types are perennial in Southern California’s unique climate, and offer practical tips for growing and maintaining this vibrant plant in your landscape. Plus, we’ll show how Deloya Masonry can help you integrate low-maintenance plants like verbena into stunning outdoor designs that are both eco-friendly and elegant.

Understanding the Lifespan of Verbena: Annual vs. Perennial

Verbena comes in many species and cultivars, and they can be categorized broadly as annual or perennial.

Annual verbenas complete their life cycle in one growing season. They bloom profusely and are often used in containers, borders, and flower beds for quick color.
Perennial verbenas live for several years, typically blooming from spring through fall, especially in mild climates like Southern California.

So, are verbena perennials in California? Yes—many varieties are perennial in Southern California because the region’s mild winters allow them to survive year-round. However, choosing the right type is essential for long-term success.

Popular Varieties of Verbena for California Landscapes

Here are a few of the most common varieties of verbena used in Los Angeles and Riverside County gardens:

Variety	Type	Key Features	Perennial in SoCal?
Verbena rigida	Perennial	Low-growing, purple flowers, spreads easily	✅ Yes
Verbena bonariensis	Perennial	Tall, airy stems with lavender blooms	✅ Yes
Verbena canadensis	Perennial	Dense, ground-cover habit, vibrant pink/purple	✅ Yes
Verbena hybrida	Annual	Bright colors, compact, blooms all season	❌ No
Verbena 'Homestead Purple'	Perennial	Vigorous, long-blooming, heat-tolerant	✅ Yes

Pro Tip: Many nurseries sell verbena labeled as “annuals” even though they behave as perennials in warm zones like USDA Zones 9–11, which include most of Southern California.

Benefits of Planting Perennial Verbena in Southern California

If you’re looking for sustainable and water-wise landscaping options, perennial verbenas are a smart choice. Here’s why:

🌱 Low Maintenance: Once established, they require minimal watering and upkeep.
🌸 Long Blooming Season: Flowers persist from spring through late fall.
🐝 Supports Pollinators: Excellent nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
☀️ Heat & Drought Tolerant: Perfect for dry summers in the region.
🌿 Blends with Native Plants: Works beautifully with sage, lavender, and California fuchsia.

Care Tips for Growing Perennial Verbena

To get the most out of your perennial verbena, follow these care tips tailored to Southern California gardens:

Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours a day) is essential.
Soil: Well-draining soil prevents root rot. Amend with sand or decomposed granite if needed.
Watering: Water regularly to establish roots, then reduce frequency. Avoid overwatering.
Pruning: Lightly prune after blooms fade to encourage reblooming and maintain shape.
Spacing: Allow room for air circulation to prevent mildew.

Landscaping Ideas Using Verbena

Verbena pairs beautifully with hardscape features such as:

Stone retaining walls
Brick patios
Gravel pathways
Flagstone seating areas

Consider planting them along pathways or within raised beds built by Deloya Masonry to create a colorful, drought-friendly, and pollinator-rich environment.

Why Work With Deloya Masonry?

At Deloya Masonry, we specialize in integrating low-maintenance, native, and drought-tolerant plants into custom outdoor spaces. Whether you're looking to install a new retaining wall, stone walkway, or complete garden design, our team ensures that both the structure and surrounding plants thrive.

Our services include:

Eco-friendly and fire-safe landscaping solutions
Planting design tailored to your soil and microclimate
Masonry work that enhances your landscape’s form and function
Full-service outdoor transformations in Riverside, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas

Let us help you create a landscape that not only looks incredible—but supports the Southern California environment, too.

Final Thoughts: Are Verbena Perennials?

Yes—many varieties of verbena are perennial in Southern California. By selecting the right type and giving it the proper care, you can enjoy vibrant blooms season after season while supporting pollinators and conserving water.

📞 Ready to upgrade your yard with long-lasting, colorful plants and elegant masonry? Contact Deloya Masonry today to schedule a consultation and bring your outdoor vision to life.