Verbena Rigid Bonariensis

At Viveros González, the Verbena genus encompasses approximately 250 species of herbaceous or semi-shrubby plants originating from various continents. Some notable species include Verbena rigida, Verbena bonariensis, Verbena officinalis, Verbena brasiliensis, Verbena hybrida, Verbena hastata, and Verbena corymbosa.

Commonly known as Verbena rigida, this species originates from southern Brazil and northern Argentina. These semi-perennial plants have trailing or hanging growth and spread via stolons, reaching heights of nearly half a meter. Their vivid green lance-shaped leaves, oppositely arranged and serrated, adorn the plant. They bloom profusely in summer and autumn, showcasing an array of purple, pink, or blue flowers (depending on the variety) in clustered heads that cover the plant entirely.

These versatile plants find use in borders, slopes, small walls, rockeries, and sunny yet sheltered garden areas, planting around 5 specimens per square meter. They thrive in pots and complement well when grouped with Crocosmia, Pennisetum alopecuroides, Dahlia, and Achillea.

For optimal growth, they require full sun exposure and warm temperatures, tolerating frosts of up to about -10°C. They shed leaves in cold weather, regrowing them in spring. Well-drained soil with organic matter is crucial. Transplanting is done in spring when roots emerge below the pot.

Moderate watering, avoiding waterlogging, is recommended, focusing on the soil rather than wetting the entire plant. Organic matter added in early spring and light pruning post-flowering stimulate new growth. While sensitive to excess moisture leading to fungal diseases, they generally resist common pests.

Multiplication through seeds sown in spring in seedbeds, lightly covered with soil and dark paper, encourages germination in moist but not waterlogged substrate.