Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Blue vervain · Verbena hastata

What are the bugs on my Blue vervain?

It is less common for Blue vervain to have major pest issues, as it is generally quite hardy. Check the undersides of the leaves first, as that is where most invaders hide.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the undersides of leaves for tiny moving specks.
  2. Check for sticky residue on the stems or leaves.
  3. Inspect the tips of the flower spikes for clusters of insects.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see tiny green or black insects clustering on new growth or flower buds. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water from your hose to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Fine webbing appears between the stems or leaves, and the foliage looks stippled or pale. These are very small and hard to see without a magnifying glass.

    What to do: Increase humidity around the plant by misting it daily. Use neem oil spray on the leaves every 7 days until the webbing disappears.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your blue vervain

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

If the plant is losing leaves rapidly or the stems are turning yellow, you need to act immediately. A few stray bugs are usually manageable and not a sign of total failure.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant well watered and healthy, as stressed plants are more attractive to pests.

Blue vervain: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your blue vervain and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I use household soap to kill the bugs?
Avoid using harsh dish soaps, as they can burn the leaves. Stick to insecticidal soap or a mild horticultural soap.
Will these bugs spread to my other plants?
Yes, aphids and mites can travel easily. Isolate your Blue vervain until the infestation is completely gone.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Blue vervain

Back to the Blue vervain guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.