Content
Perennial verbena (Verbena) is a herbaceous plant from the Verbena family. Its homeland is the tropics and subtropics of the American continent, so it is quite sensitive to the correct agricultural practices and climate. Flower growers who decide to grow this magnificent flower with a pleasant aroma on their site need to know the basic principles of planting and care, as well as the characteristics of zoned varieties. Only with proper care will the plants be strong, pleasing the eye with their beauty throughout the warm season. Photos of Perennial Verbena flowers will help you decide on the variety.
Ampelous perennial verbena feels great both in flower pots and as a ground cover plant.
General description of perennial verbena
Verbena is a perennial herbaceous or subshrub flower.The stem is tetrahedral, can be erect or creeping, covered with soft hair. The leaves are arranged in pairs, elongated oval, pinnately toothed, with dense pubescence, bright green. Small cup-shaped flowers are collected in spherical or elongated inflorescences like a spear. The color of the petals can be very diverse, depending on the variety. The seeds are small, located in four sections of the fruit-nut. The perennial blooms from early summer until October.
Types and varieties of perennial verbena
In ornamental gardening, about four dozen varieties are used, bred by breeders from wild counterparts. Up to 200 species of this plant are found in nature.
Buenos Aires
This perennial is also called “Bonar” verbena. It is noticeably different from other varieties with its small flowers collected in umbrella inflorescences. This tall perennial verbena reaches 120 cm, and does not require the installation of supports or garters. The aroma of pale amethyst flowers is very delicate, powdery-sweet. It does not tolerate frost well, so in the northern regions this perennial is grown in open ground for one season.
Perennial flowers of Buenos Aires verbena are shown in the photo.
Verbena bonarica loves the sun, so it is advisable to plant it in open areas on the south side
Tough
Verbena rigida is a perennial plant. It got its name because of its dense, rough, sandpaper-like leaves, elongated, spear-shaped, with jagged edges. Low, creeping, the average height of the bushes is up to 35 cm. Small lilac flowers, from light pastel to deep lilac shades, are collected in spike-shaped inflorescences with two additional shoots on the sides. In warm climates, the perennial does well in open ground.
To preserve the plant for next year in the northern regions, the rhizomes are dug up in the fall and placed in boxes with wet sand.
Straight
Verbena straight (stricta) is a stunningly beautiful perennial. Powerful bushes end in large, highly elongated inflorescences at a height of up to 1.5 m. Rich purple, blue and lavender flowers are relatively small in size. The leaves of the plant reach 8-10 cm in length. Drought-resistant and undemanding to soil fertility, prefers slightly acidic soils. Flowering duration is about 45 days.
Verbena straight grows well in temperate climates with shelter for the winter.
Hybrid
An excellent variety, the most popular among gardeners. It is characterized by a variety of colors, unusual shapes of inflorescences, and their large sizes. The stems are highly branched and can spread along the ground.
The hybrid perennial has a pleasant aroma that intensifies at sunset
Spear-shaped
Spear-shaped verbena grows up to 1.5 m. A very graceful plant with elongated inflorescences of tightly adjacent pinkish, blue, white and lilac small flowers. Loves moist, mineral-rich soils.An excellent honey plant, can be used to attract bees in the garden and in landscape design.
The flower's homeland is the swamps and water meadows of North America.
Application in landscape design
Due to the diversity of species, perennial verbena looks impressive as part of landscape compositions. Tall shrubs go well with greenery and creeping perennials. From hanging varieties you can make elegant balcony and wall decorations, plant them in large flowerpots and hanging flowerpots. Creeping species make an amazing carpet, delighting with a riot of colors and delicate aroma all summer and part of autumn.
Photos of perennial verbena flowers in a flowerbed are presented below.
Verbena goes well with various types of garden flowers
Planting and caring for perennial verbena in open ground
Perennial verbena is unpretentious to the composition of the soil, so planting and caring for it in open ground is not difficult. Even novice flower growers can cope with the task if they follow the rules of agricultural technology.
Perennial verbena can be grown in three ways, each of which has its own pros and cons.
- Seeds into the ground. The least reliable method, since germination sometimes does not exceed 30%, and tender young shoots are sensitive to negative environmental conditions. Therefore, there is a high risk of being left without flowers.
- Seedlings. A common method that ensures good seed germination and maximum safety of seedlings during the most critical period for plants.
- Cuttings. Perennial verbena reproduces well in this way. In the spring, the tops with 4-6 leaves are cut off and treated with an antifungal agent and a root formation stimulator.After this, the cuttings can be planted in the prepared soil. In a month they should take root. As soon as the shoots begin to grow, it is recommended to plant them in a permanent place.
Planting and caring for perennial verbena in the garden requires effort.
Cuttings are one of the most common methods of propagating perennial verbena.
Recommended timing
Seeds are sown for seedlings in early March. You can take individual peat cups, boxes, containers. The soil should be light and loose. The seeds must be scattered over the surface, lightly dusted with sand, and moistened with a spray bottle.
Picking is done when 2-3 leaves appear, when the sprout reaches 7-10 cm in height. Seedlings can be planted in the soil if the threat of spring frosts has passed. This is usually early to mid May.
Site selection and soil preparation
Perennial verbena is undemanding to the chemical composition of the soil. However, she prefers well-lit areas with light soil. If the soil is heavy, for example clay, then you should add sand or any other baking powder to it, and also take care of drainage from crushed stone, expanded clay, and brick chips. The perennial tolerates drought well, but is very sensitive to underground and stagnant water, so it is necessary to choose high places where there is no threat of flooding.
How to Plant Perennial Verbena
The distance between bushes of low-growing species of verbena is 20 cm. Large and creeping species should be 35-50 cm apart from each other. If the soil is dry, it should be pre-moistened by pouring warm water into each hole until it becomes liquid mud.
Plants should be replanted carefully, without disturbing the earthen ball - this way they will take root faster.After planting, lightly compact the soil around it and sprinkle with mulch. Water daily for 10-15 days, little by little, avoiding stagnation of water.
Caring for perennial verbena
Plant care is standard for garden flowers. Perennial verbena is not capricious, and with the right choice of location, fertilizing and watering, it does not cause problems for gardeners. If the plantings are very dense, you can thin them out and plant them to give enough light to all the bushes.
Watering and fertilizing
The first thing to remember when cultivating perennial verbena is that it does not like waterlogged soil. And severe drought affects its growth and the splendor of inflorescences. You should stick to the golden mean, watering as needed as soon as the soil begins to dry out, but without flooding. The frequency of watering depends on the climate - if the summer is rainy, it may not be needed at all.
There is no need for frequent feeding. If the soil substrate is initially rich in minerals and organic matter, then it is enough to feed it with complex fertilizers 2-3 times per season, without exceeding the recommended doses.
Loosening, weeding, mulching
Perennial verbena practically does not need weeding. Dense foliage covers the ground with a dense carpet under which other plants cannot survive. The procedure is carried out as weeds appear.
Loosening is not necessary for this perennial, but it is advisable. This way the roots receive additional oxygen nutrition. Carry out several times a season, after watering or weeding. Then the loosened soil must be mulched with chopped straw, pine waste, bark, cones, humus or peat.
Wintering
For the winter, in the northern and temperate Russian climate, perennial verbena must be wrapped or transferred to cool, heated rooms with a temperature of 5-10 degrees. In open ground, plants are trimmed and covered with spruce branches, then adding a good layer of snow, at least 30 cm. You can dig up the roots and store them in boxes with wet sand in the basement or cellar. And plants in flowerpots must be brought into utility rooms, onto the veranda, or balcony. Wintering lasts until the end of February-beginning of March, then new shoots begin to appear.
Pests and diseases
Proper care allows perennial verbena to successfully resist various diseases. In the case of unfavorable conditions, such as heavy watering or, on the contrary, drought, flowers are susceptible to powdery mildew and fusarium. In such cases, treatment with antifungal drugs is necessary.
Verbena is susceptible to attacks by aphids, sucking and leaf-eating insects, but quite rarely. If pests are detected, treat with an appropriate insecticide.
Conclusion
Perennial verbena is a magnificent flower, popular among Russian gardeners. Its lush variety, enchanting aroma and long flowering period have made it the queen of home gardens. The plant is readily used for landscape design. It does not require special conditions, careful adherence to the feeding schedule and labor-intensive care. In temperate and northern latitudes of the Russian Federation, perennial verbena needs shelter for the winter.
