Verbena ‘Sissinghurst’

Verbena ‘Sissinghurst’ is a vibrant perennial that can brighten up any garden with its rich clusters of purple flowers. Known for its hardiness and long-lasting blooms, it thrives in various garden settings, whether in beds, borders, or containers. This guide will help you plant and care for your Verbena ‘Sissinghurst’ so it flourishes year after year.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Verbena ‘Sissinghurst’ is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This gives the plant enough time to establish its roots before the growing season begins, ensuring a strong foundation for robust growth.
• Autumn: You can also plant Verbena ‘Sissinghurst’ in early autumn. This allows the plant to acclimatise and establish its roots before winter, ensuring it comes back healthy and vibrant the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Verbena ‘Sissinghurst’ thrives in full sun. Ensure it is planted in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The more sunlight it receives, the more prolific its blooms will be.
• Soil: Verbena ‘Sissinghurst’ prefers well-drained soil. It is essential to avoid waterlogged conditions, as excess moisture can lead to root rot. If your soil is heavy or clayey, improve drainage by incorporating organic matter such as compost or sand.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball of Verbena ‘Sissinghurst’ and the same depth. This ensures enough room for the roots to spread and grow.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic material into the soil before planting. This enhances fertility and drainage, promoting healthy growth.
3. Planting: Place your Verbena ‘Sissinghurst’ in the prepared hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole and firm the soil to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water the plant thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Ensure the area drains well to avoid waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Verbena ‘Sissinghurst’ is drought-tolerant but still benefits from regular watering during dry spells. Ensure the soil dries out between watering sessions. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant period, reduce watering. Verbena ‘Sissinghurst’ requires minimal water in winter, so water only if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to help Verbena ‘Sissinghurst’ get off to a strong start for the growing season. This will encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
• Mid-Summer: A light feed in mid-summer can keep Verbena ‘Sissinghurst’ blooming and healthy throughout the flowering season. Be sure not to overfeed, as this can result in excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers from Verbena ‘Sissinghurst’. Deadheading encourages new blooms and keeps the plant tidy throughout the growing season.
• Autumn Pruning: In autumn, after the blooms have faded, cut back Verbena ‘Sissinghurst’ to ground level. This prepares the plant for winter dormancy and encourages strong growth for the following year.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of Verbena ‘Sissinghurst’ in spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic mulch such as bark or compost for the best results.
• Winter: In colder climates, add mulch around the plant in winter to protect the roots from frost. This will help the plant survive winter and ensure it thrives in the coming spring.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Verbena ‘Sissinghurst’ typically has sturdy stems, but in windy locations or during heavy rainfall, staking may be necessary. Use lightweight stakes to keep the plant upright and prevent damage from strong winds.

Final Tips

Verbena ‘Sissinghurst’ is an easy-to-grow perennial that provides a burst of colour to your garden. By planting it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil and following the care instructions, you can enjoy its striking purple flowers for many seasons. Whether planted in beds, borders, or containers, Verbena ‘Sissinghurst’ is a reliable and beautiful addition to any garden.