Blue Vervain

Typically forms colonies in the wild by both thick, slowly spreading rhizomes and self-seeding. May self- seed in gardens in optimum growing conditions. Can be short-lived. Flowers on each spike bloom bottom to top, only a few at a time which prolongs the bloom period. Pinching off the tips of the plants several times during the growing season will encourage a bushier shape and increased number of flowers. Dead plant material should be cut back in the late fall through early spring. Attracts bees, butterflies and birds. Although rabbits sometimes eat the plants, deer avoid it due to its bitter taste.