Overview
Verbena supina L. forma supina, commonly known as Creeping Vervain or Low Verbena, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Verbenaceae. It is native to South America and can be found in wetlands, meadows, and along waterways in temperate and tropical regions around the world.
Description
Creeping Vervain is a low-lying perennial plant that often forms a mat-like groundcover. The stem is thin and usually covered with short fine hairs, and it can grow up to 50cm long. The leaves are small, simple, and opposite, with serrated edges and a lanceolate shape. The flowers are small and delicate, arranged in branched inflorescences, and with a bluish-purple color. Fruit is a dry indehiscent nutlet.
Uses
Creeping Vervain can be used for medicinal purposes. It possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties, which make it useful in treating colds, headaches, and other ailments. The plant can be used in the form of tea, tincture, or poultice. Also, it can be grown as a decorative groundcover in gardens, parks, and other landscaping projects.
Creeping Vervain has significant ecological value as a nectar source for bees and butterflies. It attracts pollinators that help to maintain biodiversity and support the local ecosystem.
Cultivation
The plant requires a moist, fertile soil, and it should be exposed to full or partial sunlight. Creeping Vervain can be propagated by stem cuttings, division, or seed. It is a hardy plant that can withstand harsh winters, and it does not require much maintenance once established.
Overall, Creeping Vervain is a versatile plant that has both ornamental and medicinal value. Its low-growing habit and attractive flowers make it a useful groundcover, while its medicinal properties and ecological benefits make it a worthwhile addition to any garden or landscape project.
Growth Conditions for Verbena supina L. forma supina
Verbena supina L. forma supina requires specific growth conditions to thrive.
Light
This plant requires full sun exposure of at least six hours per day. It can tolerate some shade, but too much can lead to stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature
Verbena supina L. forma supina thrives in warm temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C). It does not tolerate frost and is susceptible to cold damage. Research shows that it can tolerate a temperature range from 30-100°F but not consistently.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0-7.5. It grows well in medium to highly fertile soil and tolerates sandy soil conditions. Verbena supina L. forma supina also requires soil with good water holding capacity to prevent wilting and ensure adequate growth.
To set this plant up for optimal growth, ensure that it receives adequate light, maintain warm temperatures, and plant it in well-draining, medium to high-quality soil. Following these recommendations will lead to better growth, flowering, and overall plant health.
Cultivation Methods
Verbena supina L. forma supina can be grown from seeds or cuttings. For seeds, start them indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost in your area. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept consistently moist until they germinate, which usually takes one to two weeks. If growing from cuttings, choose a healthy stem and make a clean cut below the node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and plant it in rich, well-draining soil, keeping it moist until it roots, which should take two to three weeks.
Watering Needs
Verbena supina L. forma supina prefers well-draining soil and should be watered deeply but infrequently. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch, and then water deeply, so that the water reaches the roots. Avoid getting the leaves wet, which can lead to fungal diseases
Fertilization
Verbena supina L. forma supina benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a well-balanced fertilizer every two to four weeks, following the manufacturer's instructions. To avoid burning the roots, water the plant well before and after fertilizing.
Pruning
Verbena supina L. forma supina benefits from regular pruning to keep it healthy and encourage bushy growth. Pinch back the tips of the stems when the plant is young to encourage branching. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote further blooms. Cut back any frost-damaged or diseased stems as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease. Prune back the entire plant to about one-third of its height in the late fall or early spring before new growth appears.
Propagation of Verbena supina L. forma supina
Verbena supina L. forma supina is a perennial herb that can be propagated via several methods. The following are some of the propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Verbena supina L. forma supina can be collected from mature plants during the autumn season. The seeds should be sown into a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. Germination typically takes between 14-21 days. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Division Propagation
Dividing mature Verbena supina L. forma supina plants is an effective way of propagating the plant. This method is best done during the early spring or autumn months. Dig up the mature plant and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, making sure each section has a good amount of roots and foliage. Transplant the divisions into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Cutting Propagation
Verbena supina L. forma supina can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the early summer months when the plant is actively growing. Take a 4-6 inch cutting from the tip of a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant the cutting into a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a warm, bright area. Roots should develop within a few weeks, and the cutting can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Disease Management
Verbena supina L. forma supina is vulnerable to various diseases. The common ones are:
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery substance to appear on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this, improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides.
- Black spot: This is a fungal disease that causes black spots on the leaves. To manage this, remove and destroy the infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide.
- Bacterial leaf spot: This is a bacterial disease that causes brown spots on the leaves. To manage this, remove and destroy the infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management
Verbena supina L. forma supina is prone to infestation by pests such as:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and deformation. To manage this, release ladybugs, lacewings, or other natural predators, wash them off with a strong stream of water, or apply insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests leave behind webbing and cause yellowing leaves. To manage this, improve air circulation, wash them off with a strong stream of water, or apply insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: These small, slender insects cause silvery streaks on the leaves and flowers. To manage this, release beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs, or use neem oil.
