Complete Gardening
Discover a world of vibrant alternatives to Verbena with these 33 beautiful plants. From annuals to perennials, each plant offers unique colors, textures, and appeal to enhance your garden. Whether you’re looking for bold blooms, trailing vines, or unusual varieties, these selections will inspire your green thumb and bring life to your outdoor spaces. Explore the charm, care tips, and visual delights that make each option a worthy addition to your botanical collection.
1. Calibrachoa (Calibrachoa spp.)
Their cascading mounds form a floral waterfall, capturing attention with every glance. Ideal for hanging baskets, these petite blossoms bloom profusely, offering non-stop color.
To keep them thriving, ensure they’re placed in a sunny spot and watered regularly. Feeding them every two weeks will promote continuous blooms, making them a delightful addition to any garden space. Let these vibrant bells ring in a symphony of color and joy in your home.
2. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana is a garden favorite with its clusters of bi- or tri-colored blooms that are hard to resist. These blossoms, known for attracting butterflies, bring a lively presence to any garden. Heat and drought-tolerant, Lantana thrives even in challenging conditions, making it a sturdy choice for sunny outdoor spaces.
To keep them flourishing, trim back in midsummer to encourage new growth and fresh blooms. Their ability to withstand heat and attract pollinators makes Lantana a vibrant, wildlife-friendly choice for your garden.
3. Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora)
Portulaca, with its succulent foliage and rose-like blooms, is a sun lover’s dream. The vibrant flowers open with the sun, closing at night, creating a dynamic display throughout the day. Perfect for well-drained soil, Portulaca requires minimal watering, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance beauty.
Their radiant colors and drought tolerance provide a stunning visual without demanding constant attention. Plant them in sunny spots, and let their cheerful faces brighten your garden on even the hottest days.
4. Bacopa (Sutera cordata)
Bacopa offers a delicate charm with its tiny white or pastel blooms trailing elegantly from containers. This plant thrives in cooler summer spots, making it an ideal choice for partially shaded areas. Its abundant flowering habit brings a soft, soothing presence to any garden setting.
To maintain its beauty, relocate Bacopa to partial shade as temperatures rise, ensuring it receives enough moisture. Known for its cascading growth, Bacopa is a perfect addition to hanging baskets or window boxes, providing gentle elegance.
5. Diascia (Diascia spp.)
Diascia enchants with its delicate, snapdragon-style blooms, available in shades of pink, coral, and apricot. This plant is perfect for edging, adding a soft splash of color to garden beds and borders. Its charming floral display evokes a sense of whimsy and charm.
To keep Diascia flourishing, deadhead sparingly as over-pruning can reduce flowering. Their vibrant hues and graceful form make them a versatile addition to any garden, enhancing both formal and casual landscape designs.
6. Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Alyssum forms a sweetly scented carpet of blooms that are hard to resist. These flowers, available in white, pink, or purple, are perfect for groundcover, creating a fragrant tapestry in your garden.
Thriving in cooler months, Alyssum reseeds freely if spent blooms aren’t removed, providing a continuous display of delightful flowers. Their low-growing habit and pleasant fragrance make Alyssum a garden favorite for borders, pathways, and container plantings, enhancing any outdoor space.
7. Nemesia (Nemesia strumosa)
Nemesia captivates with its fragrant, two-tone blooms, available in a delightful array of soft pastels and vibrant hues. This plant excels in mixed pots, adding a splash of color and a sweet fragrance.
Regular deadheading prolongs blooming, ensuring a long-lasting display throughout the season. Nemesia’s charming flowers and versatile nature make it a wonderful choice for both novice and experienced gardeners, thriving in sunny spots and bringing joy to any setting.
8. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
Snapdragons stand tall with their vertical spikes of fox-mouth blooms, offering a rainbow of colors. These vibrant flowers bring a sense of grandeur to any garden, capturing attention with their striking appearance.
To keep Snapdragons looking their best, provide support for taller varieties and regularly deadhead spent spikes. Their bold presence and wide color range make them a versatile choice for garden beds and borders, adding vertical interest and vibrant hues to your outdoor space.
9. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias are a butterfly magnet with their bold, daisy-like heads available in single or double forms. These bright blooms bring a sense of joy and color to any garden, creating a lively atmosphere.
To prevent powdery mildew, space the plants properly to improve air circulation. Zinnias’ vibrant colors and wildlife-friendly nature provide a delightful addition to gardens, attracting pollinators and adding visual interest with their diverse forms and hues.
10. Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
Marigolds are beloved for their sunshine-bright pom-pom or daisy-type flowers, known to repel certain pests. These cheerful blooms bring warmth and vibrancy to any garden, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere.
To promote fuller plants and more blooms, pinch back early tip growth. Marigolds’ pest-repellent nature and sunny appearance make them a practical and beautiful choice for garden beds and borders, enhancing your outdoor space with color and functionality.
11. Salvia (Salvia splendens & S. nemorosa)
Salvia stands out with spikes of tubular blooms in shades of red, purple, and blue. These deer-resistant flowers are hummingbird-friendly, adding both beauty and wildlife interest to your garden.
To encourage rebloom, cut back the plants by one-third after the first bloom. Salvia’s striking colors and pollinator-friendly nature make it a versatile and attractive choice for gardeners seeking to enhance their outdoor spaces with vibrant hues and lively visitors.
12. Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata)
Coreopsis offers a cheerful presence with its feathery foliage and daisy-like yellow or red-edged flowers. These sunny blooms bring joy and warmth to any garden, thriving even in poor soils.
To promote continuous flowering, remove spent flowers regularly. Coreopsis’ bright colors and easy-care nature make it a delightful choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance beauty and a sunny disposition in their outdoor spaces.
13. Gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri)
Gaura enchants with its airy wands of blossoms that dance gracefully in the breeze. Available in white, pink, or deep rose, these delicate flowers add a sense of movement and elegance to gardens.
To rejuvenate the plants and encourage new growth, cut back hard in midsummer. Gaura’s whimsical beauty and dynamic presence make it a captivating choice for gardeners seeking to bring a touch of magic to their outdoor spaces.
14. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Echinacea, with its sturdy daisy-style cones, offers late summer blooms that are perfect for cut flowers. These resilient plants add structure and color to gardens, attracting bees and butterflies.
To maintain vigor, divide clumps every 3–4 years. Echinacea’s robust appearance and wildlife-friendly nature make it a practical and beautiful choice for gardeners seeking to enhance their landscapes with both functionality and charm.
15. Corema (Coreopsis grandiflora)
Corema, similar to Coreopsis verticillata, offers larger, more robust blooms that bring a bold presence to gardens. These sunny flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, providing a vibrant display throughout the season.
Their expansive blooms and cheerful disposition make Corema a delightful addition to any garden, offering both visual interest and a welcoming environment for pollinators. Enjoy the sunny cheer they bring to your outdoor spaces.
16. Osteospermum (African Daisy)
Osteospermum, known as the African Daisy, captivates with its striking blooms featuring contrasting centers. These daisy-like flowers open fully in the sun, offering a bold splash of color and charm.
For best results, plant them in moderate temperatures and mulch in winter in colder zones. Osteospermum’s vibrant appearance and adaptability make it a standout choice for gardeners seeking to add a touch of the exotic to their landscapes.
17. Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)
Geraniums delight with their rounded clusters of vibrant blooms and scented foliage. Whether in pots or gardens, they offer a splash of color and fragrance, making them a versatile choice.
To encourage fullness, deadhead spent flowers and pinch tips regularly. Geraniums’ classic beauty and fragrant leaves make them a cherished addition to gardens, adding both visual appeal and a pleasant aroma to outdoor spaces.
18. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Heuchera, or Coral Bells, stands out with its bold, foliage-first appearance. The airy flower spikes add a touch of elegance, creating a stunning visual in shaded garden areas.
Thriving in partial shade, Heuchera benefits from mulching to keep roots cool. Their striking foliage and graceful blooms make them a versatile choice for adding texture and color to garden compositions, enhancing both form and function.
19. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum, known for its succulent leaves and starry blooms, offers a drought-tolerant and low-maintenance option for gardens. These hardy plants thrive in rocky areas, providing a splash of color without requiring constant attention.
Avoid overwatering and ensure sharp drainage for best results. Sedum’s resilient nature and charming flowers make it a practical and attractive choice for gardeners looking to enhance their landscapes with texture and durability.
20. Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan)
Rudbeckia, with its golden daisy-type blooms and dark centers, offers long-lasting beauty and wildlife appeal. These flowers brighten gardens with their sunny appearance and resilient nature.
To extend blooming, stake taller varieties and regularly deadhead spent blooms. Rudbeckia’s cheerful presence and ability to attract pollinators make it a wonderful choice for garden enthusiasts seeking to add both color and ecological value to their outdoor spaces.
21. Scaevola (Fan Flower)
Scaevola, known as the Fan Flower, charms with its unique half-flower blooms that spill beautifully from containers. Available in blue-purple or white, these flowers thrive in heat and humidity, making them ideal for summer baskets.
Their cascading form and striking colors add a whimsical touch to garden displays, offering a vibrant addition that requires minimal fuss. Perfect for gardeners seeking a lively and low-maintenance option for hanging baskets.
22. Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)
Lobelia offers delicate blooms in shades of blue, purple, or white, making it an excellent edging plant. These flowers thrive in cooler, moist conditions, bringing a refreshing burst of color to gardens.
For best results, provide shade in the hottest climates to keep them looking their best. Lobelia’s petite flowers and soothing colors make it a delightful choice for enhancing garden edges, adding subtle elegance and charm to your landscape.
23. Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
Sweet Potato Vine is known for its bold foliage, available in chartreuse or dark hues, that spills over container edges. This plant offers excellent contrast and a striking visual in garden compositions.
Growing vigorously, it requires pinching tips to control spread and maintain a tidy appearance. Sweet Potato Vine’s dramatic foliage and easy care make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add depth and texture to their outdoor spaces.
24. Petunia (Petunia × hybrida)
Petunias enchant with their endless color varieties, including ruffled and fringed forms. These flowers thrive in hanging pots, offering a cascade of vibrant color that captures the eye.
To keep blooms abundant, feed regularly with a high-phosphorus fertilizer. Petunias’ versatility and rich hues make them a favorite for garden displays, bringing joy and visual interest with their lively presence and varied forms.
25. Browallia (Browallia speciosa)
Browallia, with its star-shaped blue flowers, offers a charming cascade of color in garden planters. This plant thrives best in shade-dappled sun, providing a soothing visual and serene presence.
Keep the soil evenly moist for optimal growth. Browallia’s delicate blooms and cascading habit make it a lovely choice for gardeners seeking an elegant and understated addition to their outdoor spaces, enhancing both beauty and tranquility.
26. Cuphea (Cigar Plant)
Cuphea, known as the Cigar Plant, delights with its tubular, red-orange blooms that attract hummingbirds. This plant’s compact, mounding habit offers a neat and tidy appearance in garden beds.
To prevent legginess, pinch back regularly. Cuphea’s vibrant flowers and wildlife-friendly nature make it a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to add both color and ecological interest to their landscapes.
27. Salpiglossis (Painted Tongue)
Salpiglossis enchants with its veined, trumpet-shaped blooms in jewel-toned hues, reminiscent of stained glass. These flowers add a touch of elegance and drama to gardens, thriving in cooler conditions.
For best results, plant them in spring or fall to avoid the heat of summer. Salpiglossis’ unique appearance and vibrant colors make it a standout choice for gardeners seeking to add an artistic flair to their outdoor spaces.
28. Diascia integerrima (Twinspur)
Diascia integerrima, known as Twinspur, offers soft apricot blooms in tidy mounds that thrive in heat. These flowers add a gentle splash of color to garden borders, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
To encourage a second flush, shear back after the main bloom. Twinspur’s graceful appearance and heat tolerance make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add both charm and resilience to their landscapes.
29. Nematanthus gregarius (Goldfish Plant)
Nematanthus gregarius, the Goldfish Plant, stands out with its glossy leaves and orange blooms shaped like goldfish. This exotic-looking plant adds a unique flair to indoor settings, offering both beauty and intrigue.
For best results, provide bright, indirect light and moderate humidity. The Goldfish Plant’s unusual blooms and lush foliage make it a captivating choice for indoor gardeners seeking a touch of the exotic in their home environments.
30. Cuphea llavea (Cigar Flower)
Cuphea llavea, known as the Cigar Flower, captivates with its upright spikes of red-and-white flowers. These blooms resemble hot-smoked cigars, adding a quirky and eye-catching element to gardens.
Deadhead spent blooms to maintain flowering. Cuphea llavea’s distinctive appearance and colorful blooms make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add personality and visual interest to their landscapes.
31. Thunbergia alata (Black-eyed Susan Vine)
Thunbergia alata, the Black-eyed Susan Vine, grows quickly with cheerful blooms in orange, yellow, or white centered with dark eyes. These flowers bring a lively presence to gardens, thriving on trellises in full sun.
Provide support and let them flourish, creating a vibrant and dynamic display. The Black-eyed Susan Vine’s rapid growth and bright blooms make it a delightful choice for gardeners seeking to enhance vertical spaces with color and charm.
32. Calceolaria (Pocketbook Plant)
Calceolaria, known as the Pocketbook Plant, enchants with its pouch-like blooms that look like tiny slippers. Available in yellow and orange, these flowers add a whimsical flair to indoor displays.
Preferring cool, humid conditions, Calceolaria thrives in bright spots, offering both charm and intrigue to indoor environments. Their unique appearance and playful form make them a delightful choice for plant enthusiasts seeking to add a touch of whimsy to their homes.
33. Nemophila menziesii (Baby Blue Eyes)
Nemophila menziesii, or Baby Blue Eyes, offers sky-blue, cup-shaped flowers that herald the arrival of spring. These blooms create a soothing, gentle presence in gardens, thriving as groundcover.
For best results, sow seeds directly in cool soil and avoid planting in hot zones during midsummer. Baby Blue Eyes’ delicate flowers and early blooming make them a wonderful choice for gardeners seeking to add a touch of serenity and color to their landscapes.