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Verbena

Vervain (Verbena). Mat-forming perennial except for species listed below. Many hybrids are available in shades of red, pink, white, lavender or purple. These make excellent ground cover and are lovely interplanted with taller perennials. Verbena is a butterfly nectar plant. It spreads slowly, but is not invasive. The tips of branches often root into the soil to form new plants.

CULTIVATION:

Plant in full sun. They love the heat and are drought resistant.
Let the soil dry out between waterings, and provide deep water periodically.
Reduce water in late fall to encourage winter dormancy.

PROPAGATION:

Verbena may be started from seed in spring. Protect until the plants become well settled.
They transplant easily from purchased four inch plants.
If you start with purchased six pacs, protect them until they are well rooted.
Best transplanted in spring.
Most can be started from tip-layered plantlets.

PROBLEMS:

Long, hot summers and dry climates take a toll on some hybrids. Regular watering and part shade may help.

TRY THESE SPECIES:

Red Devil Verbena (Verbena peruviana ). Forms three inch tall mat with vivid red flowers. Blooms late spring through summer.
Great Plains Verbena (Verbena bipinnatifida ). Blooms all summer and grows a little over a foot tall. This is well adapted to heat and cold; it is originally a native of the high plains region. It does not like rich soil, loves full sun and is another butterfly magnet. It may reseed itself in good conditions.
Verbena (Verbena bonarienses ). Highly recommended. This one is the exception to small verbenas, reaching two to three feet in height. It may reseed itself in good conditions. This makes a great combination planted in front of taller Helianthus. It blooms summer to fall.

SOURCES:

Armstrong Nursery; High Country Gardens and other mail order sources.