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Balcony Gardening

Can I save my hanging verbena?

20 years ago

Rather late last fall I bought a hanging purple verbena from Home Depot for my balcony. I don't know much about plants, but my understanding is that this is basically a ground cover that they put in a pot and grew to flow over the edge. When I bought it it was in full bloom and very pretty.

It's been miserable ever since, through a somewhat cold and wet winter, and I'd pretty much given up on it. I tried watering it, I tried not watering it, nothing seemed to help.

This last week in Berkeley has been HOT and very sunny, and while the rest of my balcony plants have been wilting a bit under the south sun, suddenly the verbena has perked up. about 90% of it is dead, so I trimmed that out, but now there is growth that looks green and happy.

So I guess my question is, can I bring it back to the overflowing glory it was? If so, what do I do next winter when it gets so unhappy again? any tips?

Thanks,

Daniel

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Comment (1)

imabcgal
20 years ago
Hello - deolmstead

Verbenas or Vervain can grow from 6 inches to 4 feet high and may be bushy or creeping in growth. The toothed or cut leaves usually grow opposite each other and reach a length of 1 to 3 inches. In the summer or fall, slender stalks arise and bear flattened clusters of flowers, 2 to 3 inches across. They may be multi-colored, red, rose, peach, pink, purple, lavender, or blue, usually with a white eye. In the summer and autumn, thin stems topped with clusters of tiny, bright purplish-pink flowers grow.

POTTING: Verbenas are hardy from zones 5 to 10 depending upon the variety. They can be grown as annuals in cold climates; they are tolerant of drought and are especially suitable for growing in hot, desert climates.

Grow these plants in fertile, well-drained soil that is moist to on the dry side, in a sunny location. Mulch with dry straw in cold winter areas.

PROPAGATION: Start seeds indoors at a temperature of 65 Âº F. Plant them in sandy soil, 8 to 10 weeks before it's safe to plant outside. Seeds may be sown directly outdoors where they are to grow when the soil is warm. The roots of some species, such as V. rigida may be divided in the fall in mild climates; elsewhere, in the spring. Stem cuttings may be taken in the spring or fall and inserted in sand.

I think your Verbena is a survivor!
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