Verbena rigida
Prairie Verbena, Sandpaper V.
Description
Rough, dark green leaves, vivid purple flowers in spring and summer. When it starts to look ragged, cut it back to the ground. Will even bloom some during winters. Grows to 2' tall and 4' wide. Native to South America, but naturalized across the SW. Rapid grower. Produces color over a long season spring thru summer. Perhaps the hardiest. Long lived. Can be cut back severely after bloom.
Plant Type
Ground cover, Perennial
Height Range
1-3'
Flower Color
Lavender, Purple
Flower Season
Spring, Summer
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Very Low, Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
Invasive
Design Styles
Meadow, Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Location Uses
Entry, Perennial Border, Parking Strip, Patio, Raised Planter, Swimming Pool, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Erosion Control, Filler, Mass Planting, Naturalizing, Small Spaces
Attracts Wildlife
Butterflies
Water Saving Tip:
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.