Description of Verbena neomexicana (Gray) Small var. xylopoda Perry
Verbena neomexicana (Gray) Small var. xylopoda Perry, also known as New Mexican verbena, is a wildflower that belongs to the family Verbenaceae. It is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, specifically in the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas, as well as the Chihuahuan Desert.
General Appearance
Verbena neomexicana is a perennial herb that typically grows up to 1 to 2 feet tall and spreads across 1 to 2 feet wide. It has slender, hairy stems that branch out from the base of the plant, forming a mound of foliage. The leaves of this plant are narrow, lance-shaped, and toothed along the edges. They are green in color, measuring around 1 to 3 inches long and 0.25 to 0.5 inches wide. The flowers of this plant grow in clusters at the top of the stems and have a bright lavender hue. They bloom from late spring to early fall, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Common Names
Verbena neomexicana is commonly known by a variety of names, including New Mexican verbena, desert verbena, purpletop vervain, and Chihuahuan vervain.
Uses
Native American tribes have traditionally used Verbena neomexicana as a medicinal herb to treat various ailments, including headaches, fever, and congestion. Its leaves and flowers can be made into a tea or poultice for external use. The plant is also used as a natural dye for textiles, producing shades of yellow, green, and gray. Additionally, this species is popular as a garden plant, used in xeriscaping and as a border plant in rock gardens for its showy flowers and attractive foliage.
Light Requirements
Verbena neomexicana var. xylopoda requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, so make sure to plant it in an area where it can receive enough light. Insufficient sunlight could result in poor growth and fewer blooms.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the southwestern United States and is well adapted to hot and dry conditions. It can tolerate high temperatures and drought conditions. However, it cannot withstand prolonged frost or extreme cold temperatures. The optimal temperature range for Verbena neomexicana var. xylopoda is between 20°C to 35°C.
Soil Requirements
Verbena neomexicana var. xylopoda prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or rocky soil. However, it cannot grow in poorly draining or waterlogged soil. It's best to add organic matter to the soil to improve its quality and drainage. Since this plant is adapted to drought conditions, it can tolerate soil with low fertility.
Cultivation
Verbena neomexicana (Gray) Small var. xylopoda Perry is a perennial plant that requires full sun to grow well. It does well in well-drained soils and can grow up to 12 inches tall with a spread of up to 2 feet. It is best to plant them in spring after frost danger passes. This species is drought tolerant.
Watering needs
Verbena neomexicana (Gray) Small var. xylopoda Perry requires occasional watering. It is important to avoid overwatering this species, as it is drought tolerant and can suffer from root rot if left in soggy soil for too long. It is recommended to water this plant once a week with deep irrigation during the growing period, reducing watering after flowering.
Fertilization
Verbena neomexicana (Gray) Small var. xylopoda Perry does not require frequent fertilization. It may benefit from a light application of general-purpose fertilizer once in early spring at the beginning of the season.
Pruning
Verbena neomexicana (Gray) Small var. xylopoda Perry can become leggy over time. That's when pruning is important. It is recommended to prune back the stems by about a third after flowering in the fall. This will help to control height, maintain its shrubby shape, and promote healthy growth in the following season.
Propagation of Verbena neomexicana (Gray) Small var. xylopoda Perry
Verbena neomexicana (Gray) Small var. xylopoda Perry is a hardy, drought-resistant perennial that is native to southwestern United States. The plant can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from mature plants during early fall. These seeds can be directly sown in a seedbed or a container filled with well-draining soil in late fall or early spring. It is essential to keep the soil moist and at a temperature of 70°F - 75°F. Seed germination occurs in 14-21 days. Once the seedlings grow to 3-4 inches in height, they can be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the garden bed.
Division
Verbena neomexicana can be propagated through division, which involves separating an established plant into multiple parts. The best time to divide the plant is in early spring. Choose a healthy plant with well-developed roots and dig it out of the soil. Gently shake off the soil from the roots and divide the plant into 2-3 parts using a sharp knife. Each part should have healthy roots and shoots. Plant the divided parts in a well-draining soil mix and water them thoroughly.
Softwood Cuttings
Softwood cuttings can also be used to propagate Verbena neomexicana. Cuttings should be taken during early summer when new growth appears. Select a healthy shoot with no flowers and cut it just below a node using a sharp knife. Remove the lower leaves, and dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a container filled with a well-draining soil mix and cover it with a plastic bag or a clear plastic lid. Keep the container in a warm, humid place and keep the soil moist. Rooting should occur in 3-4 weeks. Once the cutting develops roots, it can be transplanted into an individual pot or directly into the garden bed.
Disease Management
Verbena neomexicana (Gray) Small var. xylopoda Perry is generally a hardy plant that is not often affected by diseases. However, in some instances, diseases can occur, and it is essential to manage them to prevent their spread and eventual damage to the plant.
One of the common diseases that affect Verbena neomexicana is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew causes the leaves to develop a white powdery substance and can weaken the plant. To manage powdery mildew, you can use fungicide sprays, remove affected leaves and plant debris from around the plant, and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Another disease that can affect Verbena neomexicana is root rot. Root rot is caused by overwatering, and it can cause the plant to wither and die. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant, ensure good drainage, and remove affected plants from the area.
Pest Management
Verbena neomexicana (Gray) Small var. xylopoda Perry can be affected by various pests, such as aphids, spider mites, and thrips. These pests can cause damage to the plant and reduce its vigor.
To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soaps. Additionally, introducing ladybugs or lacewings into the plant area can help control the aphid population.
To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soaps, or you can introduce predator mites into the plant area. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent the spread of spider mites.
Thrips can be managed by using yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soaps, or neem oil. Additionally, removing affected plants from the area can help prevent the spread of thrips.
Overall, proper plant care practices such as good irrigation management, regular pruning, and fertilization can help promote plant health and prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases.
