Perennials: Vinelike Verbena

Verbena attracts butterflies to the garden.

Verbenas are annual or perennial flowering plants that come in a range of sizes including vinelike forms. The plants bloom with clusters of five-petaled, tubular flowers in shades of blue, pink, red and purple during summer. Verbena flowers attract butterflies.

Identification

Vinelike verbena is commonly referred to as trailing verbena. Trailing verbena plants are about 1 foot tall and with 2-to 5-foot stems. Varieties of trailing verbena include Sarah Groves, appleblossom and snowflurry.

Planting

Plant verbena between March and October, spacing plants 10 to 14 inches apart. Avoid planting very deeply as this increases chance of root rot. Water plants thoroughly after planting, and regularly until plants are established. Add a light layer of mulch, keeping it away from the stems.

Site

Select a sunny site for verbena and a well-drained, fertile soil. Verbenas are cold- and frost-sensitive. If you are planting very early in the season, cover the plants when frost is expected.

Uses

Vinelike trailing verbena gives a good effect when used in large containers singly or in group planting. The flowing growth is also well-suited as edging of high flower beds. Good companion plants with verbena include geraniums, snapdragons, dusty miller and marigolds.

References

• University of California Extension: Verbena
• Clemson Cooperative Extension; Verbena; Karen Russ; September 2007
• "Perennial Combinations"; C. Colston Burrell; 1999
• "Florida Gardener's Guide"; Tom MacCubbin, Georgia Tasker; 2002