Red Verbena

Plant Type: perennial
Plant Height: 6-12 inches
Spread: 12-18 inches
Flower Color: red
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Red Verbena: A Bold and Vibrant Flower for Year-Round Garden Appeal

Red Verbena (Verbena genus) is a show-stopping flowering plant celebrated for its dazzling red blooms and versatility across various garden and landscape designs. Whether used as a perennial in milder climates or as an annual in cooler regions, Red Verbena adds a burst of color and charm, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to infuse their spaces with vibrant energy.

Key Features of Red Verbena

1. Brilliant Red Flowers
   The hallmark of Red Verbena is its striking red flowers, which appear in dense, rounded clusters. These small, vivid blooms continue from early summer until the first frost, creating an impressive, long-lasting display. The intense red hue makes Red Verbena an excellent choice for eye-catching accents, adding depth and warmth to any garden setting.

2. Trailing and Spreading Growth Habit
   With a natural trailing or spreading form, Red Verbena works beautifully in a variety of placements. Its lush green foliage forms a dense mat, making it effective as a ground cover, and the plant’s growth habit also makes it a favorite for hanging baskets, window boxes, and container gardening. The trailing foliage creates a dramatic cascade of color, ideal for enhancing vertical spaces.

3. Drought Tolerance and Low Maintenance
   Thriving in well-drained soil and full sun, Red Verbena is relatively drought-tolerant once established. This resilience makes it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water garden designs. Beyond regular watering, Red Verbena is a low-maintenance plant that requires only occasional deadheading to promote continued blooming.

4. Pollinator-Friendly Plant
   Red Verbena attracts pollinators like butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, supporting garden biodiversity. Its vibrant blooms provide a valuable nectar source, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Growing and Caring for Red Verbena

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to maximize bloom production and intensity.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is ideal; tolerates sandy and moderately poor soils.
• Watering: Regular watering until established; drought-tolerant thereafter.
• Maintenance: Deadhead spent blooms for continuous flowering; prune as needed to maintain shape.

Landscape Uses

Red Verbena’s versatility allows it to be used creatively across garden styles:

• Ground Cover: Adds a dense, colorful layer along pathways and garden beds.
• Containers and Hanging Baskets: Provides a cascading effect, perfect for adding color to balconies, patios, and entryways.
• Garden Borders and Edging: Adds a striking color border along walkways and garden edges.

Summary

Red Verbena is a favorite for its vibrant, long-lasting red flowers, ease of care, and versatility in a wide range of garden settings. With minimal maintenance needs and a strong tolerance for sun and drought, it is a go-to choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether creating bold color accents, attracting pollinators, or enhancing container gardens, Red Verbena offers continuous beauty and vitality for outdoor spaces.

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

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and vibrant blooms)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-7.0)
• Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for optimal growth and a dense flower display
• 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: Red Verbena is a low-maintenance perennial or annual 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: Red 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 1.5-2 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 for 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 frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks