How to Use Verbena for Groundcover
While some verbena varieties grow as bushes that can reach 4 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m.) in height, there are plenty of other varieties that stay low to the ground. Some are trailing plants that spread along the ground. They put out creeping stems that root themselves easily in the ground and establish new plants. Others are just low-growing, upright plants that top out at about 1 foot (30.5 cm.) high. These plants spread out via rhizomes underground that put up new shoots nearby. Both of these styles are very low-growing and fast spreading and are great options for groundcover. When opting to use these plants for ground cover in the garden, plant them in triangular groups with about 12-inch (30.5 cm.) spacing between them. Of course, this will vary depending on the available garden space, so take this into consideration. Knowing the total square footage can help determine the number of plants needed to fill the area, along with their spacing.
Popular Groundcover Verbena Varieties
Here are a few common groundcover verbena plants: Trailing Verbena – Formerly called Verbena canadensis, but now known as Glandularia canadensis, these creeping verbena plants make up a broad group that serves very well as a groundcover. Some popular cultivars are “Summer Blaze,” “Snowflurry,” “Greystone Daphne,” and “Appleblossom.” Rigid Verbena – Native to South America, these verbena plants spread quickly by underground rhizomes. They are very hardy and drought resistant. Some popular cultivars include “Polaris” and “Santos”. Prairie Verbena – Reaching only 3 to 6 inches (7.5-15 cm.) in height, this plant produces vivid, deep purple flowers. Peruvian Verbena – Under a foot (30.5 cm.) tall, these plants produce pink to white flowers that bloom all summer long. Goodings Verbena – These plants produce lots of lavender flowers in the spring. They need full sun and lots of water. Sandpaper Verbena – Producing deep purple flowers in the spring, these plants self-sow and spread by seed very quickly and run the risk of becoming invasive.
