A compact, low growing perennial with fragrant clusters of tiny pale lilac flowers on wiry stems from June to September. Height and Spread 50cm. Full sun, well-drained soil. Hardy. Attracts butterflies and bees.
Verbena rigida f. lilacina ‘Polaris’ is a compact, low-growing perennial that produces clusters of tiny pale lilac flowers with a lovely fragrance from June to September. Its wiry stems and dense foliage make it a fantastic addition to flower beds, containers, or as a ground cover. This guide will help ensure your Verbena thrives with minimal care, rewarding you with abundant blooms and attracting butterflies and bees.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring Planting: The best time to plant Verbena rigida f. lilacina ‘Polaris’ is in spring, after the last frost. This allows the plant to establish strong roots before the warm summer months when it will begin to flower.
Autumn Planting: Verbena rigida f. lilacina ‘Polaris’ can also be planted in early autumn. This gives the plant time to settle into the soil before the colder weather arrives, ensuring it is ready to bloom in the spring.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Verbena rigida f. lilacina ‘Polaris’ thrives in full sun, where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a sunny location to encourage prolific flowering and robust growth.
Soil: Verbena requires well-drained soil. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so ensure the planting area offers good drainage. Adding organic matter such as compost can improve soil quality and promote healthy growth.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Planting Hole: Dig a hole that is roughly twice the width and depth of the root ball to allow the roots to spread comfortably.
Soil Preparation: Mix in some compost or organic material to enhance the soil’s fertility and drainage, providing Verbena rigida f. lilacina ‘Polaris’ with the nutrients it needs to grow and flower.
Planting: Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole with soil and firm it down to eliminate any air pockets.
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots and help establish the plant. Ensure that the soil drains well, as Verbena rigida f. lilacina ‘Polaris’ is sensitive to waterlogged conditions.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Once established, Verbena is moderately drought-tolerant. Water during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be careful not to saturate the soil.
Dormant Period: During the dormant season in winter, reduce watering significantly. Verbena requires minimal moisture at this time. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.
Feeding
Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to provide Verbena rigida f. lilacina ‘Polaris’ with the nutrients needed for strong growth and flowering.
Mid-Summer: A light feeding of a general-purpose fertiliser in mid-summer can support continued flowering and healthy growth throughout the growing season.
Pruning and Deadheading
Deadheading: To encourage continuous flowering, regularly deadhead by removing spent blooms. This helps keep the plant tidy and promotes more flowers.
Cutting Back: After the last flowers have faded in autumn, trim the plant back to ground level. This helps prepare it for winter dormancy and ensures healthy growth the following season.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Verbena in spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic mulches like bark chips or compost for the best results.
Winter Protection: In colder months, apply an additional layer of mulch to protect the plant’s roots from frost. This helps ensure the plant survives the winter and can grow back vigorously in spring.
Supporting Verbena rigida f. lilacina ‘Polaris’
Staking: Verbena rigida f. lilacina ‘Polaris’ is a compact plant with a low growth habit, so staking is rarely necessary. However, in very windy areas or when growing in containers, you may wish to stake the plant to keep it upright and prevent damage.
Final Tips
Verbena rigida f. lilacina ‘Polaris’ is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that adds beauty and fragrance to any garden. By planting it in full sun, providing well-drained soil, and following the care tips outlined above, you’ll ensure vibrant blooms from June to September. Verbena is also a magnet for bees and butterflies, making it a perfect addition to any pollinator-friendly garden. Add this stunning plant to your landscape for a splash of colour and fragrance that will thrive with minimal effort!
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