Growing Verbena aristigera:
Moss Verbena
Description
Form: A low spreading herb.
Lifespan: Perennial.
Leaf retention: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Mature Size: 6-12" (15-30cm) high and 36" (90cm) wide.
Flowers: Pink, white, or purple with a white center, small and tubular with five petal-like lobes, in rounded clusters about 1" (2.5cm) across.
Bloom: Spring through fall, except high summer heat causes a dormancy break.
Fruit: Seed.
Leaves: Aromatic, green, three lobes finely dissected into many linear segments about 1/4" (6mm) long, having a moss like appearance.
Stems: Sprawling; nodes sprout roots when they touch moist soil.
Wildlife: The flowers attract butterflies and bees.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: South America.
Form: A low spreading herb.
Lifespan: Perennial.
Leaf retention: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Mature Size: 6-12" (15-30cm) high and 36" (90cm) wide.
Flowers: Pink, white, or purple with a white center, small and tubular with five petal-like lobes, in rounded clusters about 1" (2.5cm) across.
Bloom: Spring through fall, except high summer heat causes a dormancy break.
Fruit: Seed.
Leaves: Aromatic, green, three lobes finely dissected into many linear segments about 1/4" (6mm) long, having a moss like appearance.
Stems: Sprawling; nodes sprout roots when they touch moist soil.
Wildlife: The flowers attract butterflies and bees.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: South America.
Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 9b-11. Root hardy in zones 7-9a. This plant dies to the ground in regions with freezes and regrows from its roots in the spring.
Heat tolerant: Yes, but may go dormant above 85°F (29°C) in full sun.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Part shade in regions where temperatures go above 85°F (29°C).
Soil: Very well draining, dry, low to moderate organic content, pH 6.1-7.8 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline). It develops root rot in wet soil.
Water after becoming established: Monthly, except weekly in a mostly sunny location when temperatures are above 85°F (29°C).
Mulch: Use decomposing granite for best results, or small gravel. Avoid organic mulch.
Planting: In regions with hot summers, it is best planted in the fall so it will become well established before the heat of summer.
Prune: After the last freeze is past, mow or rake up dead stems.
Litter: Winter damage.
Propagation: Seed, rootball division, cuttings. This plant self-seeds freely.
Uses: Ornamental, ground cover, erosion control on moist ground.
USDA hardiness zones: 9b-11. Root hardy in zones 7-9a. This plant dies to the ground in regions with freezes and regrows from its roots in the spring.
Heat tolerant: Yes, but may go dormant above 85°F (29°C) in full sun.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Part shade in regions where temperatures go above 85°F (29°C).
Soil: Very well draining, dry, low to moderate organic content, pH 6.1-7.8 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline). It develops root rot in wet soil.
Water after becoming established: Monthly, except weekly in a mostly sunny location when temperatures are above 85°F (29°C).
Mulch: Use decomposing granite for best results, or small gravel. Avoid organic mulch.
Planting: In regions with hot summers, it is best planted in the fall so it will become well established before the heat of summer.
Prune: After the last freeze is past, mow or rake up dead stems.
Litter: Winter damage.
Propagation: Seed, rootball division, cuttings. This plant self-seeds freely.
Uses: Ornamental, ground cover, erosion control on moist ground.
Comments
This plant is a member of the Verbena family (Verbenaceae). Its scientific synonym is Glandularia aristigera. Another common name is Moss Vervain. It does not withstand foot traffic.
Do you have additional information or a different experience for these plants that you would like to share? Email info@GardenOracle.com. All contributions are welcome and appreciated.
This plant is a member of the Verbena family (Verbenaceae). Its scientific synonym is Glandularia aristigera. Another common name is Moss Vervain. It does not withstand foot traffic.
Do you have additional information or a different experience for these plants that you would like to share? Email info@GardenOracle.com. All contributions are welcome and appreciated.
Latest update: July, 2024
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