by Kelly Szymanski

Created on: April 22, 2010

If you are looking for a brightly colored bedding plant that is easy to grow and spreads quickly, check out Verbenas. Annual Verbena is beautiful hybrid variety of Verbena. Non-hybrid varieties are considered perennials in zones 7-10.

Annual Verbena forms clusters of white, red, pink or blue flowers on top of toothed green foliage that feels a bit hairy to the touch. The flowers of most varieties are solid in color, but some have white centers or stripes, adding to their charm.

Verbena is great for planting in hot sunny locations. Since they have a spread of up to 36 inches they appreciate an open location where they have room to grow. They also grow well in rock gardens or crevices in a walkway or wall. They like well drained soil and will provide you with a mass of their stunning flowers from early summer until the first hard frost.

To grow Verbena, start seeds indoors about 12 weeks before the last frost. If you prefer to buy seedlings, choose the ones that have multiple stems and are just beginning to bloom. Plant them in full sun after all danger of frost has past. If your soil is heavy, mix in some compost before planting. Verbena is very sensitive to moisture and will easily develop root rot if the soil does not drain well.

Fertilize Verbena monthly through out the growing season with a diluted solution of a balanced fertilizer. Dead-head regularly to promote continued flowering. Don’t be afraid to cut back leggy plants. Cutting them back will improve their health and encourage repeat blooming.

Because of their sensitivity to moisture Verbena is sometimes attacked by powdery mildew. You will recognize powdery mildew by a whitish gray substance on the foliage. Watering in the mornings and avoiding getting the plants wet can help prevent this fungal disease. Consider using a slow drip hose instead of a regular sprinkler.

 If your Verbena is tightly packed you may want to thin out any diseased plants. Not only will this help prevent the spread of the fungal spores, it will improve the air circulation between the plants to help prevent further infection.

Because of its spread, Verbena also makes a beautiful addition to hanging planters or container gardens. Plant them in groups of 3 or 5 (odd numbers always look best) in a planter that will be in full sun.

Wherever you decide to use Verbena- whether it is in a hanging basket, a sunny hillside or next to a sunny sidewalk- you will fall in love with it. It’s sure to become a staple in your sunny garden.

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