Botanical Name: Verbena rigida
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Common Name: Prairie Verbena, Sandpaper Verbena  
Plant photo of: Verbena rigida
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Perennial

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Purple

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Invasive

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Native Garden

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Parking Strip, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Erosion Control, Filler, Mass Planting, Fire Resistant, Naturalizing, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Butterflies

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

  • Description

  • Notes

This rapidly growing perennial groundcover has rough, dark green leaves and vivid purple flowers in summer and fall. When it starts to look ragged, cut it back to the ground, which will encourage greener new growth. Though a perennial, it may be short-lived, but if flowers are allowed to go to seed, it may establish itself in the garden. Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds. Grows about 2 feet tall and wide.
Grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy to 15 degrees. Drought tolerant once established; wet soils will cause it to rot.