Overview of Verbena gooddingii Briq.
Verbena gooddingii Briq. is a species of flowering plant found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It belongs to the family Verbenaceae, which includes about 35 genera and 1,200 species around the world.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Goodding's verbena, Santa Fe River verbena, or desert verbena. It was named after Leslie Newton Goodding (1867–1944), a botanist who collected specimens of the plant in southern Arizona and northern Mexico during the early 20th century.
Appearance
The plant grows as a perennial or annual herb, ranging from a few centimeters to over a meter tall. It has slender stems, opposite leaves with toothed margins, and clusters of small flowers at the ends of the branches. The flowers are typically lavender, pale pink, or white, with five petals and a trumpet-shaped corolla. The fruit is a small nutlet enclosed in a dry calyx.
Uses
Verbena gooddingii Briq. is a popular garden plant, especially in dry or desert landscapes. It is easy to grow from seeds or cuttings, and attracts a variety of pollinators such as butterflies and bees. The plant has also been used for medicinal purposes by Native American tribes, including the Hopi and Papago peoples. It was believed to have therapeutic properties for various ailments such as headaches, fevers, and snakebites.
In addition, the plant has cultural and ecological significance in the regions where it is found. It is often associated with riparian areas, where it can help stabilize stream banks and provide habitats for wildlife. It is also used in traditional ceremonies and festivals, such as the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico.
Typical Growth Conditions for Verbena Gooddingii Briq.
Verbena gooddingii Briq. is a native plant species to the southwestern regions of the United States and northern Mexico. They prefer to grow in arid and semiarid regions, typically found in deserts, grasslands, and rocky slopes in elevations between 1,000 and 6,000 feet.
Light Requirements
Verbena gooddingii Briq. requires full sun exposure to grow properly. They require at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. They can survive in partially shaded areas but will not bloom as profusely as they do in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can easily tolerate hot temperatures, including those exceeding 100°F during the day. However, they need relatively cool nighttime temperatures of 60°F to 70°F. While they can sustain winter temperatures, they perform better in warmer climates.
Soil Requirements
Verbena gooddingii Briq. prefers well-draining, sandy or rocky soil as compared to heavy, clay soils. It prefers pH levels ranging from slightly alkaline to slightly acidic. These plants can grow on poor soil but do better with a moderate supply of organic material to the soil. They do not require a lot of water once established and can tolerate drought conditions, but this is dependent on the soil type and water retention capacity.
Cultivation of Verbena gooddingii Briq.
Verbena gooddingii Briq. is a sun-loving plant that thrives well in full sun and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.6 to 8.5. As a drought-tolerant plant, it can tolerate harsh conditions, making it easy to grow in regions with hot and dry climates. The plant can grow up to 36 inches tall and 24 inches wide, making it perfect for borders, rock gardens, or container planting.
Watering Needs of Verbena gooddingii Briq.
Although Verbena gooddingii Briq. is drought-tolerant, it still requires regular watering during the growing season. Watering should be done when the top inch of soil feels dry. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this may lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering to once every two weeks.
Fertilization of Verbena gooddingii Briq.
Fertilization is necessary to keep Verbena gooddingii Briq. healthy and thriving. A balanced fertilizer, with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10, should be applied once every three months during the growing season. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it may result in the accumulation of salts in the soil, leading to root damage and stunted growth.
Pruning of Verbena gooddingii Briq.
Pruning is essential to maintain the size and shape of Verbena gooddingii Briq. It should be done after flowering to remove dead flowers and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Additionally, pruning can promote bushier growth and more blooms. It is recommended to prune the plant once every year, taking care not to remove more than one-third of the plant's height.
Propagation of Verbena gooddingii Briq.
There are two common methods of propagating Verbena gooddingii Briq., which are through seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Verbena gooddingii Briq. can be propagated from seeds collected from mature plants during the fall or early-winter season. Before planting, the seeds should first be cleaned and dried. Then, they can be planted in seed trays or pots with a well-draining soil mix. Seeds should be planted at a depth of around 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Moisture should be maintained without over-watering, and consistent temperatures of around 70°F should be maintained. Germination of Verbena gooddingii Briq. seeds generally takes place from two to four weeks after planting.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Verbena gooddingii Briq. can be done through several methods including stem cuttings, root division, and layering.
Stem cuttings can be taken from mature plants in the spring or early summer season. Cuttings should be around 4-6 inches in length and should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. The bottom of the stem cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone, then planted in containers with a well-draining soil mix. It is necessary to maintain the soil moisture and protect the cuttings from strong light and high temperatures.
Root division can be done during the fall or early spring season. The root should be lifted from the soil and separated into sections, with each section having at least one shoot. The roots should be replanted immediately and kept moist until they establish their roots.
Layering can be done later in the growing season when the plant's branches are more flexible. A section of a branch is bent down to the soil level, and a small wound is made on the underside of the branch. The wound is then held open with a toothpick or a small stick, and soil is packed against it. The branch should be dug up and separated from the parent plant when roots have formed on the buried stem.
Disease Management
Verbena gooddingii Briq. is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, like all plants, it can still be prone to some diseases. Some common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage it, remove and destroy infected plant parts and use fungicide treatments as needed.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a common fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. To manage it, prune affected plant parts and apply a fungicide treatment.
- Crown Rot: This is a fungal disease that mainly affects the roots of the plant. To manage it, ensure the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged. Remove and destroy infected plant parts and use fungicide treatments as needed.
Proper plant care practices such as ensuring adequate air circulation and avoiding overwatering can help prevent many plant diseases.
Pest Management
Like many garden plants, Verbena gooddingii Briq. can be prone to insect pests. Some common pests that might affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These are small insects that feed on the plant's sap and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. To manage them, regularly spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to become mottled and yellow. To manage them, regularly spray the plant with water or insecticidal soap.
- Whiteflies: These are small, winged insects that feed on the plant's sap. To manage them, regularly spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of pest infestation and promptly dealing with any problems can help prevent pest damage from becoming severe.
