What is a Homestead Verbena?

Vibrant Homestead Verbena is a favorite perennial flower for many people. The twisting container plants are typically purple in color, though some blue varieties also exist. These plants can provide blooms of color from late spring until the first frost of fall.

There are several other names that the Homestead Verbena is known by. Many people refer to the perennial plants as Homestead Purple flowers. Other names for the flowers include Purple Verbena, Rose Verbena, and the scientific name of the garden plants is Glandularia canadensis.

Flowers of the Purple Verbena are clustered and trumpet-shaped. Each cluster spikes out from the rest of the plant, creating a round effect. Each flower is up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) long.

The brilliant purple blooms of the Homestead Verbena make it a popular garden plant. The flowers also require little to no watering, depending on which region they are grown in. Verbena's low maintenance and easy care are other reasons why people often choose to cultivate the container plants. The plants are also known to attract many helpful or beautiful garden insects and birds, such as hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

In warm climates, Homestead Verbena has been known to bloom as early as March. If grown in well-drained soil with a rich topcoat material, the plant will thrive and spread across the planted area. Choice topcoats can include fresh compost or humus. The flowers also prefer full sunlight, making them both drought and heat resistant.

Purple Verbena flowers grow best when placed at least one foot (.3 m) apart. This is to ensure that each plant is provided enough room to grow and spread. For the healthiest flowers, growers recommend spacing verbenas at least 15 to 18 inches (38 to 46 cm) apart during planting. The flowers grow well when started as cuttings from previously established verbenas.

A popular use of Homestead Verbena is as a ground cover plant. As it can spread quickly, some growers prefer to keep it as a container plant. Flower beds, hanging baskets, and other garden accents can all serve as optimal displays for Homestead Verbena as well. The hardy plant should not be placed near delicate bloomers, however, as it may overpower weaker species.

Once the first frost of the year occurs, most Homestead Verbena plants die. Life of the plants can be extended, however, by covering them with burlap during an early frost. The plants should also be covered with burlap or a similar material during cooler weather, if possible.