Which Verbena Species Are Good Nectar Plants?
1. Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena / Purpletop Vervain) This is the one you’re looking at in your tab (tall verbena) — and it is one of the best nectar plants you can grow.
Value to wildlife Hummingbirds: Very high.
They love the tall, airy clusters and visit them frequently.
Butterflies: Extremely high — especially swallowtails, monarchs, queens, painted ladies.
Bees: Good for long‑tongued bees; bumblebees especially.
Goldfinches: They eat the seeds, not the nectar — which is why you see them perched on the dried flower heads.
Why it works so well Blooms all summer into fall Produces continuous nectar Tall, open structure makes it easy for hummingbirds to hover and feed Thrives in heat (perfect for Georgia)
If you want a verbena that truly feeds hummingbirds, this is the one.
2. Native Verbena (Verbena hastata – Blue Vervain) Good nectar for bees and butterflies Hummingbirds will use it, but not as strongly as V. bonariensis Prefers moist soil Native to Georgia Verbena canadensis (Homestead Purple, etc.)
Great for butterflies Good for bees Hummingbirds may stop by occasionally, but it’s not a major nectar source Excellent groundcover and long bloom season
Which Verbenas Are NOT Great for Nectar? Many hybrid bedding verbenas (the low mounding ones sold in 4" pots) These are bred for color and compact shape, not nectar Bees and butterflies may use them lightly Hummingbirds rarely bother with them Why Goldfinches Love Verbena Goldfinches aren’t after nectar — they’re after tiny seeds.
Verbena bonariensis produces tons of seed, which is why finches flock to it in late summer and fall. So seeing goldfinches doesn’t mean the plant lacks nectar — it just means it’s doing double duty.
Bottom Line for Your Garden in the South If your goal is free nectar for hummingbirds, plant: Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena) Top-tier nectar plant for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. If your goal is native support, add: Verbena hastata (Blue Vervain) Great for bees and butterflies; moderate for hummingbirds. If you want groundcover color, use: Verbena canadensis (Homestead Purple) Good for pollinators, but not a hummingbird powerhouse.