Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00001501
11/12/99

Verbena hortensis--Verbena


Height: 16 in Spacing: 18 in
Type: annual
Flowers: Blue, pink, red, white

Comments: Verbena grows well in fertile, well-drained soil
and full sun. Flowering is poor in the shade. The growth
habit is spreading and stems root where they touch the
ground. The plant can be a source of cut flowers and is
useful for summer color in spring flowering bulb beds.
Old blooms accumulate rapidly and should be removed to
keep the plant flowering. Plants exhibiting reduced
flowering may be sheared to encourage new flowering in 15
to 20 days. Applications of liquid fertilizer during the
growing season are beneficial. Verbena may be used in
hanging pots.

Propagation: Propagation is by seed or cuttings. Softwood
cuttings taken in summer root easily. The seed germinates
in three to four weeks at 70 to 75 degrees. Cover the
seed or germinate it in a dark place. The seedlings may
be pinched when they are well established.

Cultivars:
'Edith' - A cultivar of V. tenuisecta. Pink flowers and
finely cut foliage. The plant is suitable as a fast-
growing annual ground cover.
'Elegance Mix'
'Homestead Purple' - Dark purple flowers.
'Imagination Purple' (Vis. 1).
'Novalis Series'
'Peaches & Cream' (Vis. 2).
'Romance Series' (Vis. 3).

References for Cultivars: Lowell C. Ewart, 1995 Flower
Seed Trials, Michigan State University. White Flower Farm
1999.


Go To Top of File        Michigan State University Extension Home Page        Main Page for this Data Base        MNLA Web Site
This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product or company. This file was generated from data base ZZ on 01/19/00. Data base ZZ was last revised on 11/12/99. For more information about this data base or its contents please contact heatley@msue.msu.edu . Please read our disclaimer for important information about using our site.