In the Spotlight: Verbena (annual)

Did you know there are about 250 different species of Verbena?  There's the annual verbena, the trailing variety being the one I am spotlighting here, and the perennial (both herbaceous and the semi-woody).  Most of which are native to North America and/or Europe.

Genus: Verbena Higher classification: Verbenaceae Common name:  verbena, herb of the cross, holywort, vervain Annual verbenas are available in a multitude of colours from rich burgundy, to lavenders, to bright pink, to white.

Verbenas require a full sun location, a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight, to flower at their best.  Fewer than that and verbena will have few to no flowers and that would be a shame because if you've ever seen them enmasse in a planter, they can be spectacular!

Verbenas will bloom from spring until frost so it's a lovely addition to your planters.  Think thriller, filler, spiller - verbena is your spiller!! 

Be sure to use well-drained soil.  A heavy clay soil can be amended with compost to assist in drainage, should you desire to plant directly in your garden beds.  Otherwise, select a good potting soil blend, water once a week, more if necessary, and fertilize with a 20-20-20 blend fertilizer once a month.  Place your pot in full sun, combined with other annuals of your choice or all on its own, and enjoy!