Hybrid annual verbenas are consistent bloomers often potted or used as garden bedding plants, planted in masses, or as front edging plants where the sprawling habit is put to good use. As annuals, these plants are generally planted in spring, as soon as all danger of frost has passed.
Like most annuals, they are fast-growing and achieve full size within a few weeks. These hybrid verbenas may perform as hardy perennials in zones 9 to 11, but they are more commonly grown as annuals in all zones. They are usually low-growing, trailing plants with dark green leaves and clusters of colorful flowers that bloom continuously from spring to fall. Hybrid annual verbenas are best grown in relatively dry soil in a sunny location.
There is very little care necessary, other than regular watering. Plant verbena in full sun. Flowering will be much reduced in shady locations. This is a plant that requires eight to 10 hours of sun daily. These plants like fairly dry soil with an acidic pH. Verbena is not particular about soil, except that it must be well-draining. Heavy clay will lead to root rot, so dig in several shovelfuls of compost or leaf mold to lighten your soil. Keep plants evenly moist until established.
Once mature, these plants have average water needs, but will tolerate short periods of drought. Many of the parent species of these hybrids are native to Mediterranean regions or dry prairies, and their water needs resemble the conditions of those regions.
Soggy plants will succumb to botrytis blight , but drought-stressed plants may attract spider mites. Water verbena as you might your lawn, with an inch of rain or irrigation each week. Here are some stress signals to look for and potential solutions. A popular member of the verbena family, lemon verbena Aloysia triphylla actually belongs to another genus.
Its leaves give off a lemony scent when rubbed and are widely used in aromatherapy products, perfume, medicine, and as a culinary herb. Mainly known for its use as a medicinal herb, blue vervain Verbena hastata grows 2 to 6 feet tall and blooms July to September. In the wild, it forms colonies with slow-spreading rhizomes and self-seeds.
There are also tall verbena varieties Verbena bonariensis , also called Brazilian vervain or purpletop vervain. Plants are 4- to 5-feet-tall, usually grown as an annual, and have 2-inch clusters of flowers on slender but sturdy stems. Get plant information, gardening solutions, design inspiration and more in our weekly newsletter. More about the newsletter. Copyright All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Subscribe No Thanks.
From tools to furniture, these garden products are sure to delight. Discover unique garden products curated by the Garden Design editors, plus items you can use to solve problems in your garden right now, and best sellers from around the web.
Annuals Discover the right annual plants for your garden. Photo by: Proven Winners. Bloom season: May through October. Sun and soil requirements: Full sun at least 8 hours a day and average well-drained soil. Colors and characteristics: Common garden varieties have tiny, fragrant flowers in saucer-shaped clusters up to 3 inches across. In fact an established plant can provide support for neighbouring perennials in a mixed border. The key to ensuring that Verbena bonariensis overwinters successfully is to protect the crown of the plant from frost, particularly in colder regions where they are borderline hardy.
The dead stalks can be left to provide winter interest, but an autumn mulch with well-rotted manure or a covering of straw, will protect the roots from frost. Given the right conditions, plants will self-seed freely. However, the most reliable method of propagating Verbena bonariensis is to take cuttings in early autumn. With the right growing conditions and a little protection over winter, Verbena bonariensis is a trouble-free garden plant.
However, in some areas, particularly where growing conditions are hot and dry, it can become invasive. Browse the fantastic range of fully mature hardy perennials, shrubs, ferns, grasses and bulbs to create a spectacular garden to enjoy all year round. If you have pots to plant up take a look at our verbena cuttings that are ready to fill your containers with trouble free flowers as soon as they arrive.
The colour range is increasing all the time, with something to compliment every combination either in the pot or the vase. Soil type: Choose a spot with well-drained soil for your verbena plants. Verbena seed can be sown indoors from February to April or direct sown in May. Plants can go out once the danger of frost is passed in May. Sprinkle the seed on the surface of fine compost. Before covering the seed check the instructions on the packet as some need light to germinate and some do not.
Once they have germinated and have leaves that are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots or modules and grow on to sturdy plants before planting in the border. If you have ordered our verbena seedlings pot them on into individual pots as soon as they arrive and gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions. Plants that arrive in 9cm pots can be planted direct into the border or containers once they have hardened off and the danger of frost has passed.
Sprinkle mycorrhizal fungi Rootgrow into the base of the planting hole and water well after planting. For best effect plant in groups of 3 or more. The smaller low growing varieties of verbena are ideal for container planting, either mixed with other half hardy perennials or, for a more harmonious effect, grown on their own.
Make sure the compost has plenty of grit mixed in to provide good drainage and place in full sun. Most verbena need very little attention once they are established, thriving in dry sunny conditions.
Indeed, some will seed themselves in the least hospitable corners, preferring a gravel path to the rich soil of a flower border. Even the half-hardy perennials can survive the winter in milder areas as long as the soil is not too wet and they are given a compost mulch.
Verbena does not need staking as its square wiry stems are sturdy enough even in quite windy conditions.
0コメント