Verbena canadensis "Homestead Purple"

Verbena canadensis "Homestead Purple" produces vibrant, deep purple flowers that bloom in clusters atop slender stems. Each flower cluster is made up of small, tubular blossoms with a slight star shape, creating a rich, textured look. The flowers bloom profusely from late spring through early fall, providing continuous color over an extended growing season.

The vibrant purple color contrasts beautifully with the plant’s dark green, finely toothed leaves, creating a striking display. Each flower cluster can measure 2-3 inches across, and the blooms are especially attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, adding lively activity to the garden.

The low, trailing growth habit of Homestead Purple allows it to spread outwards, forming a colorful carpet of blooms that covers ground quickly, making it ideal for ground cover, cascading over walls, or spilling out of containers. With its extended bloom time and eye-catching color, Verbena canadensis "Homestead Purple" adds a burst of long-lasting beauty to sunny garden spaces.

Sunlight: Verbena canadensis "Homestead Purple" thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal flowering. It can tolerate light shade but will produce fewer blooms in less light.

Soil: This plant prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions, including sandy or rocky soil, but must have good drainage to avoid root rot.

Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help the plant establish a strong root system. Once established, Homestead Purple is fairly drought-tolerant and only requires occasional watering during dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as it prefers slightly dry conditions.

Fertilization: Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Fertilize lightly again mid-season if the plant shows signs of slowed growth or fewer blooms.

Pruning: Regular deadheading of spent flowers encourages continuous blooming throughout the growing season. Trim back the plant by one-third in midsummer if it becomes leggy, which will encourage a fresh flush of growth and flowers. In colder climates, you can cut it back to the ground in late fall or early spring before new growth begins.

Propagation: Homestead Purple can be propagated by division in spring or by softwood cuttings. It spreads through trailing stems and may root as they touch the ground, making it easy to propagate naturally.

Pests and Diseases: Verbena canadensis "Homestead Purple" is generally resistant to most pests and diseases. However, watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions, and space plants adequately to allow for good air circulation.

Winter Care: Hardy in USDA zones 6-10, it may remain evergreen in warmer climates. In colder regions (zones 6 and below), it will die back and benefit from a layer of mulch in winter to protect the roots. It may be treated as an annual in cooler climates, though it often reseeds itself.