Verbena rigida
Prairie Verbena, Sandpaper V.
Description
Perennial groundcover grows quickly to 2' x 4'. It has rough, dark green leaves and vivid purple flowers spring through summer. When it starts to look ragged, cut it back to the ground. Will even bloom some during winters. Produces color over a long season. Perhaps the hardiest of the verbenas. Native to South America, but it has naturalized across the southwest.
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:
Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.