Description
Form: Herb.
Lifespan: Perennial.
Leaf retention: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast.
Mature Size: 2' (60cm) high and 2-4' (60-120cm) wide.
Flowers: Vivid purple, tiny, in hemispherical clusters.
Bloom: Spring and summer.
Fruit: Dried seed capsules.
Leaves: Dark green, toothed, pointed, with a rough surface that is unpleasant to the touch.
Stems: Green, rooting where nodes touch moist soil.
Roots: This plant spreads by rhizomes and can be invasive in regions with soil that is often moist and has a low salt content.
Wildlife: The flowers attract butterflies and bees. The seeds attract birds.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: South America. Naturalized in the southeastern United States.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 8-10. This plant dies to the ground in freezes.
Heat tolerant: It needs part shade in hot climates.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Part shade.
Water after becoming established: Once or twice a month.
Soil: Well draining, pH 6.1-7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline). This plant is tolerant of soil types but is very salt sensitive and the presence of salt results in leaf margin burn and possible death.
Prune: If it looks raggedy, cut it to the ground and it will regrow quickly. Cut to the ground late winter after the danger of freezing is past. Flowers can be deadheaded, using a weed trimmer, before seed production, to extend blooming.
Litter: Low.
Propagation: Seed, cuttings, root division.
Uses: Ornamental, erosion control in low salt conditions.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Verbena family (Verbenaceae).

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