Herb of the Cross: A Traditional European Wildflower for American Gardens
Meet herb of the cross (Verbena officinalis var. officinalis), a charming little wildflower that’s been following humans around the globe for centuries. This unassuming annual forb might not win any beauty contests, but it has a quiet charm and fascinating history that makes it worth considering for certain garden spaces.
What Is Herb of the Cross?
Herb of the cross is a non-native annual forb that belongs to the verbena family. Unlike woody plants, this herbaceous beauty puts all its energy into soft, green growth rather than developing thick, woody stems. It’s a true annual, completing its entire life cycle in just one growing season – though it’s quite good at dropping seeds to ensure next year’s generation.
The plant produces small purple or lavender flowers arranged in delicate terminal spikes, creating a subtle but pleasant display throughout the growing season. Its square stems and serrated leaves give it a somewhat unremarkable appearance when not in bloom, but don’t let that fool you – there’s more to this plant than meets the eye.
Where Does It Grow?
Originally hailing from Europe, Asia, and North Africa, herb of the cross has made itself at home across much of the United States. You can find this adaptable plant thriving in Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
This wide distribution speaks to the plant’s remarkable adaptability – it’s clearly not too picky about where it puts down roots!
Should You Grow Herb of the Cross?
The answer depends on what you’re looking for in your garden. Here are some reasons you might want to give this European immigrant a try:
- It’s incredibly easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance
- The small flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators
- It has a rich history of traditional uses and folklore
- It fits perfectly in cottage gardens and herb gardens
- It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-8
- Once established, it’s quite drought tolerant
However, since herb of the cross isn’t native to North America, you might also consider supporting local ecosystems by choosing native alternatives. Native vervains like blue vervain (Verbena hastata) or narrowleaf vervain (Verbena simplex) offer similar benefits while providing better support for native wildlife.
Growing Herb of the Cross Successfully
If you decide to welcome herb of the cross into your garden, you’ll be pleased to know it’s refreshingly low-maintenance. Here’s how to keep it happy:
Light and Location
This adaptable plant performs best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Choose a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for the most robust growth and flower production.
Soil Requirements
Herb of the cross isn’t fussy about soil, but it does appreciate good drainage. It will grow in average garden soil and actually seems to prefer lean conditions – rich, heavily fertilized soil may lead to more foliage at the expense of flowers.
Watering and Care
Once established, this drought-tolerant annual needs very little supplemental watering. Water regularly during dry spells in the first few weeks after planting, then back off and let nature take its course. Overwatering can actually harm the plant more than help it.
Propagation and Planting
Herb of the cross readily self-seeds, so once you have it in your garden, you’ll likely see volunteer seedlings appearing in subsequent years. You can also collect seeds in late summer and sow them directly in the garden in fall or early spring.
Garden Design Ideas
This modest plant works beautifully in:
- Traditional herb gardens alongside other culinary and medicinal herbs
- Cottage garden settings where its informal growth habit fits right in
- Naturalized areas where you want a low-maintenance wildflower effect
- Pollinator gardens where every flower counts
The Bottom Line
Herb of the cross may not be the showiest plant in your garden, but it brings a certain old-world charm and reliable performance that many gardeners appreciate. Its easy-going nature and pollinator benefits make it a reasonable choice for the right garden setting. Just remember to consider native alternatives that might provide even greater ecological benefits – after all, the best gardens support both beauty and biodiversity!
