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Plant Guide

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Verbena tenuisecta 'Edith'

  • Common Name
    Edith Verbenan
  • CA Native
    Non-native
  • Plant Type
    Ground Cover
  • Size
    1' - 4' - 5'
  • Flower Color
    Pale Pink
  • Bloom Time
    • Fall
    • Spring
    • Spring through Fall
  • Leaves
    Finely Cut Medium Green
  • Evergreen
    Evergreen
  • Deer Resistant
    Rarely Damaged
  • Wildlife Value
    • Bees
    • Butterfly & Other Insect Nectar
  • Growth Rate
    Moderate
  • Hardiness
    Hardy
  • Adverse Growth Factors
    None
  • Special Features
    • Erosion Control
    • Low Maintenance
    • Showy Flowers
  • Water Use
    • Low
  • Soil pH
    6.5-7.5 (neutral)
  • Exposure
    • Full Sun
  • Soil Type
    Not Particular
  • Drainage
    Good Drainage
  • Description and Cultural Plant Tips
    N / A
  • Master Gardener Comments

    V. tenuisecta 'Edith' forms a low, dense mat of finely cut, bright green leaves with clusters of pale lavender-pink flowers. It will bloom continuously from mid-spring to the fall & the flowers have a sweet fragrance. This plant loves the heat, sun & dry conditions so it does well as a lawn replacement where water usage is a consideration.

    V. tenuisecta 'Edith ' can be planted in most soils as long as drainage is good. If you have clay soil add compost or gypsum to improve the drainage of your soil. Plant in a sunny location, the hotter the better. Mulch around each plant to improve moisture retention Verbeanas need sun, good drainage & air circulation. Pinch the tips off after planting to encourage branching & a denser plant. Newly planted verbena need moist conditions for a few of weeks until roots have spread into the surrounding soils after which they prefer drier conditions. While verbena are drought tolerant, performance & growth rate will be impacted if they are too dry for a long period of time. If blooming slows during the summer prune back by about one-fourth of its spread, fertize lightly & water thoroughly for renewed blooming. In early spring prune back all leggy branches to encourage a denser, more compact plant.

    This plant attracts bees & butterflies.

    This plant is relatively pest free. Disease usually occurs when the plant is grown in low light, without good air circulation and/or drainage or excessive watering. Expect powdery mildew (white powdery substance on leaves)on plants that do not receive enough sunlight or  are stressed from severe drought conditions. Botrytis blight (flowers turn brown) or root rot usually occur when soils are too moist.

  • Varietals

    V. tenuisecta 'Sissinghurst' - prolific bloomer with coral-pink flowers.

    V. tenuisecta 'Imagination' - prolific bloomer with lavender purple flowers

    V. tenuisecta 'Tapiens series' -  colors range from lavender to pink, to salmon  Or white, resistant to powdery mildew.