Verbena rigida
Prairie Verbena, Sandpaper V.
Description
This rapidly growing perennial groundcover has rough, dark green leaves and vivid purple flowers in spring and summer. When it starts to look ragged, cut it back to the ground. This will encourage greener new growth. It will even bloom during some winters.This hardy Verbena can grow 2' tall and 4' wide. It is long lived. It attracts bees, butterflies, and birds. It is considered drought tolerant and prefers full sun.
Plant Type
Ground cover, Perennial
Height Range
1-3'
Flower Color
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
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, 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, Fire Resistant, Naturalizing, Small Spaces
Attracts Wildlife
Birds, Butterflies
Water Saving Tip:
Consider replacing some lawn areas with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs.
Good candidates for removal are portions of large lawns, areas where no one uses the grass, patches that don't grow well, or spaces too small to water without overspray.