Moss Verbena

Plant Type: perennial
Plant Height: 6-12 inches
Spread: 18-14 inches
Flower Color: purple, pink or white
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Moss Verbena (Verbena tenuisecta): A Low-Maintenance Ground Cover with Long-Lasting Color

Moss Verbena, scientifically known as Verbena tenuisecta, is a perennial flowering plant highly valued for its delicate, lacy foliage and clusters of vibrant blooms. Originally from South America, this hardy ground cover has gained popularity for its ability to provide lush, colorful coverage in gardens and landscapes. Moss Verbena’s trailing growth habit, extended flowering season, and ease of maintenance make it an ideal choice for garden borders, rock gardens, and ornamental ground covers.

Key Features of Moss Verbena

1. Continuous and Colorful Blooms
   Moss Verbena produces abundant clusters of small, colorful flowers from late spring through early fall. The blossoms range in shades of purple, pink, and white, creating a lively and vibrant display. These long-lasting blooms are highly attractive to butterflies and pollinators, adding ecological value to your garden.

2. Delicate, Moss-Like Foliage
   Known for its finely dissected, moss-like foliage, Moss Verbena creates a soft, green carpet that beautifully complements its colorful flowers. The foliage is small and delicate, providing a lush, mat-like texture that can soften pathways and garden beds.

3. Ground Cover and Trailing Habit
   Moss Verbena’s trailing habit makes it perfect as a ground cover, quickly forming a dense mat that helps suppress weeds and stabilize soil. It’s also effective in rock gardens, containers, and hanging baskets, where its cascading growth can be showcased.

4. Drought-Tolerant and Sun-Loving
   Adapted to sunny locations, Moss Verbena thrives in well-drained soil and can withstand periods of drought once established. This resilience makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardening, providing beauty without demanding excessive water.

Growing and Caring for Moss Verbena

• Sunlight: Requires full sun for the most abundant blooms and dense growth.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates sandy and rocky conditions.
• Watering: Low water needs once established; drought-tolerant.
• Maintenance: Minimal care needed; occasional pruning encourages more blooms and a fuller shape.

Landscape Uses

Moss Verbena’s versatility allows it to be used creatively in a range of garden settings:

• Ground Cover: Creates a dense, colorful mat that covers bare areas and controls erosion.
• Borders and Edging: Adds a soft, colorful edge along pathways and garden beds.
• Containers and Hanging Baskets: Ideal for spilling over edges with cascading color.

Summary

Moss Verbena is an easy-care perennial that brings vibrant color and lush texture to gardens. With its moss-like foliage, long-lasting blooms, and ability to attract pollinators, it’s a valuable addition to various landscape designs. Whether used as a ground cover, in borders, or as a trailing accent in containers, Moss Verbena’s low-maintenance requirements and adaptability make it a favorite for gardeners seeking to add a touch of beauty and charm to their outdoor spaces.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Moss Verbena

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 1-2 feet apart for dense, low-growing coverage
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Moss Verbena is a low-growing ground cover that requires no staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Moss Verbena is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 6-12 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure even watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks