Origin
Verbena canadensis (L.) Britt. var. drummondii (Lindl.) E.M. Baxter is a plant species that belongs to the family Verbenaceae and is native to North America.
Common Names
Some of the common names for this plant species include Drummond's verbena, Clump verbena, and Rosy verbena.
Appearance
Drummond's verbena is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to a height of 1-2 feet and spreads quickly to form a dense clump. The leaves are opposite, simple, and have a toothed margin. The flowers are pink or lavender in color and form clusters that are 2-3 inches wide. The plant blooms from late spring to early fall and attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The roots are fibrous and shallow, which makes the plant drought-tolerant.
Uses
Drummond's verbena is commonly grown in gardens and landscapes as a groundcover or border plant. Its dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for controlling erosion on slopes. The plant's flowers are used in herbal medicine to treat various ailments such as headaches, respiratory problems, and digestive disorders. Some Native American tribes also used the plant for ceremonial and medicinal purposes.
Growth Conditions for Verbena canadensis (L.) Britt. var. drummondii (Lindl.) E.M. Baxter
Verbena canadensis (L.) Britt. var. drummondii (Lindl.) E.M. Baxter, commonly known as Drummond's verbena, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It is a native of North America and is mostly found in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
Light Requirements
Drummond's verbena needs full sunlight to thrive. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. Insufficient sunlight can cause poor growth and development, leggy stems, and reduced blooming.
Temperature Requirements
Drummond's verbena grows well in warm weather conditions. It is highly adaptable and can tolerate temperatures ranging from 10°C to 35°C. It is, therefore, mostly grown in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. Heavy clay soils are not suitable for growing Drummond's verbena as they can lead to poor drainage and root rot. The plant prefers soils that are moderately fertile and supplemented with organic matter.
Watering Requirements
Drummond's verbena requires regular watering to establish and grow well. The plant prefers evenly moist soils, but it is susceptible to root rot when exposed to waterlogged soils. It is essential to water the plant deeply once a week rather than shallowly and frequently to encourage deep roots.
Fertilizer Requirements
Drummond's verbena does not require much fertilizer as excessive nutrients can cause lush foliage growth and reduced flowering. A slow-release fertilizer applied during the growing season is sufficient to maintain the plant's health and vigor.
Conclusion
To sum up, Drummond's verbena is a hardy plant that requires adequate sunlight, warm temperatures, well-draining soils, regular watering, and moderate fertilization to grow well. By providing the plant with these conditions, gardeners can enjoy the plant's striking display of purple blooms that last from early spring to late fall.
Cultivation of Verbena canadensis (L.) Britt. var. drummondii (Lindl.) E.M. Baxter
Verbena canadensis (L.) Britt. var. drummondii (Lindl.) E.M. Baxter, commonly known as Drummond's verbena, is a low-growing perennial plant that is native to North America. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. The plant is easy to propagate from seed, stem cuttings, or by division.
Watering needs for Verbena canadensis (L.) Britt. var. drummondii (Lindl.) E.M. Baxter
Verbena canadensis (L.) Britt. var. drummondii (Lindl.) E.M. Baxter requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, especially during the warm summer months. However, the plant does not tolerate water-logged soil, so adequate drainage is essential. To prevent the plant from becoming too dry, it is recommended to water it once or twice a week or when the soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization of Verbena canadensis (L.) Britt. var. drummondii (Lindl.) E.M. Baxter
Verbena canadensis (L.) Britt. var. drummondii (Lindl.) E.M. Baxter benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. It is recommended to fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning of Verbena canadensis (L.) Britt. var. drummondii (Lindl.) E.M. Baxter
Verbena canadensis (L.) Britt. var. drummondii (Lindl.) E.M. Baxter responds well to pruning and benefits from periodic removal of spent flowers. This encourages the plant to produce new growth and prolongs its flowering season. Additionally, pruning older stems in the spring can help maintain the plant's shape and promote bushier growth.
Propagation of Verbena canadensis (L.) Britt. var. drummondii (Lindl.) E.M. Baxter
Verbena canadensis (L.) Britt. var. drummondii (Lindl.) E.M. Baxter, commonly known as Drummond's verbena, is a popular herbaceous perennial plant that is native to North America. This plant has a long blooming period and produces attractive flowers that range from white to pink, lavender, and violet. If you are interested in growing Verbena canadensis (L.) Britt. var. drummondii (Lindl.) E.M. Baxter, you can propagate it using several methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Verbena canadensis (L.) Britt. var. drummondii (Lindl.) E.M. Baxter is by seed. You can collect the seeds from the dried seed pods that form after the plant's flowers fade. After collecting the seeds, allow them to dry for a few days before sowing them. You can start the seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date in your area or directly sow them outdoors in the spring. When planting the seeds, cover them with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist. The seeds should germinate within 2 to 3 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
You can also propagate Verbena canadensis (L.) Britt. var. drummondii (Lindl.) E.M. Baxter using cuttings. Take 3 to 4 inches stem cuttings from the plant's healthy and disease-free stems. Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to stimulate root development. Insert the cuttings into a well-draining potting mix and cover them with a plastic bag to increase humidity. Place the container in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. The cuttings should root within 2 to 4 weeks.
Division Propagation
Another way to propagate Verbena canadensis (L.) Britt. var. drummondii (Lindl.) E.M. Baxter is by division. This method is suitable for mature plants that have formed clumps. In the spring, dig up the plant, and using a sharp and clean knife, divide the clumps into smaller sections. Each section should have several healthy stems and roots. Replant the divided sections in a well-draining soil mix and water thoroughly. Be sure to keep the soil moist until the new plants are established.
Disease Management
Verbena canadensis (L.) Britt. var. drummondii (Lindl.) E.M. Baxter is relatively resistant to diseases, but proper cultural practices still need to be implemented for the plant to avoid fungal and bacterial infections.
The most common disease that affects Verbena canadensis is powdery mildew. It is a fungal infection that appears as white, powdery spots on the plant. The best approach to manage powdery mildew is to practice proper upkeep, including avoiding overhead watering, encouraging good air circulation, and reducing the plant's humidity. In the case of infection, apply a fungicide recommended for powdery mildew to manage the spread of the disease.
Another common disease that affects Verbena canadensis is root rot. A lack of drainage can cause the plants to take up too much water, lead to root rot, and eventually kill the plant. To manage this disease, improve the drainage of the soil and reduce water application frequency.
Pest Management
Aphids and spider mites are the most common pests that attack Verbena canadensis.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth. To manage these pests, spray the plant with water to remove them or use a pesticide labeled for aphids. Using natural predators such as ladybugs or parasitic wasps can also assist in managing aphids.
Spider mites are also minute insects that suck sap, causing leaves to yellow and blotch. To manage spider mite infestations, begin by watering the plant to wash them away. Prune the affected leaves if the infestation is severe. Using insecticidal soaps, oils, or chemicals labeled for spider mite management can also be helpful.
Regular monitoring of your plants, particularly after watering and in hot and dry weather conditions that promote pest invasion, can prevent or reduce pest infestations.
