Lift your boughs of Vervain blue
Dipt in cold September dew;
And dash the moisture, chaste and clear,
O'er the ground and through the air.
Now the place is purg'd and pure.
~William Manson, 1724-97~
Other names: Holy herb, Simplers joy.
Description
A perennial with a high hairy stem which branches near the top and is a dark yet shiny green colour.
The leaves are pointed, glossy, slightly hairy, veined and narrow with lobed edges. They are akin to
an elongated oak leaf. The flowers are small, tubular, red or pale lilac and appear on 'spikes'
from midsummer.
Cultivation
| Site: | Prefers sun or light shade and fertile, well drained, loamy soil. |
| Propagation: | Sow in spring at 6-70 F (18-21 C). Germination may take 3-4 weeks and is unreliable. Will seed itself if left thereafter. |
| General Care: | Thin/transplant to 12" (30cm) apart. Can be grown indoors. |
| Harvest: | Take leaves as and when required. Take whole plant when it blooms. |
Preserve: Dry leaves or whole plant. Make a tea.
Warning: Generally to be used with caution. Avoid high doses in pregnancy.