Verbena ‘Seabrook’s Lavender’

Description

Verbena ‘Seabrook’s Lavender’ is a beautiful, low-growing perennial that is perfect for adding soft lavender flowers to your garden from June to October. This hardy plant is a great choice for containers, window boxes, or the front of a mixed border. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your Verbena thrives all season long.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The optimal time to plant Verbena ‘Seabrook’s Lavender’ is in the spring, once the soil has warmed. This allows the roots to establish early, promoting strong growth and ensuring plenty of flowers throughout the summer.
• Autumn: If planting in autumn, ensure you do so early enough to allow the plant time to settle before the cold weather arrives. This can provide the plant with a head start for the following growing season.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Verbena ‘Seabrook’s Lavender’ thrives in full sun, so choose a planting location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This will encourage abundant flowering and ensure healthy growth.
• Soil: For the best results, plant your Verbena ‘Seabrook’s Lavender’ in well-drained soil. It does not tolerate soggy conditions, which can lead to root rot. To improve drainage, consider incorporating organic matter like compost.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your Verbena. This allows the roots to spread and grow freely.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix in some compost or organic matter to improve the soil’s texture and fertility. Verbena thrives in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil.
3. Planting: Place the plant into the prepared hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole with soil and firm it in to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water the plant thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots. Make sure the area drains well to prevent waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Verbena is drought-tolerant, but it benefits from regular watering during dry spells. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Be careful not to overwater, as excessive moisture can harm the plant.
• Dormant Season: During the winter months, reduce watering significantly. Verbena does not require much water during dormancy, so only water if the soil becomes overly dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give Verbena ‘Seabrook’s Lavender’ a good start to the growing season. This helps support healthy growth and vibrant flowers.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can encourage continued blooming and ensure that your Verbena stays strong and healthy throughout the growing season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms and keep the plant looking tidy. Deadheading helps prolong the flowering season and promotes additional growth.
• Autumn Pruning: After the last flowers have faded, cut back Verbena ‘Seabrook’s Lavender’ to ground level. This prepares the plant for the winter and encourages fresh growth the following spring.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant in spring. This will help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic materials like bark chips or compost work well for mulching.
• Winter: In colder climates, a layer of mulch will protect the roots of your Verbena from frost damage and help the plant survive the winter.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Verbena ‘Seabrook’s Lavender’ has a compact, bushy growth habit, so staking is generally not necessary. However, in particularly windy areas or if the plant becomes top-heavy, consider staking to prevent it from falling over.

Final Tips
Verbena ‘Seabrook’s Lavender’ is a versatile and low-maintenance perennial that adds a soft touch of colour to your garden. By planting it in full sun and well-drained soil, and by following the care tips in this guide, you’ll enjoy continuous blooms from June to October. Whether you plant it in containers, window boxes, or at the front of a mixed border, this Verbena will thrive and attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, to your garden.