Moss Verbena Glandularia 'Claret'
ABOUT
The Glandularia 'Claret', often known as the Claret Verbena, is characterized by its standout floral display and foliage. The plant features velvety green leaves that serve as a backdrop to the rich claret-colored flowers. The leaves are typically lanced-shaped, with a somewhat toothed edge, and are arranged in a tight mound that showcases the flowers prominently. The blooms themselves are small, tubular, and grow in tight clusters that form rounded or flat-topped flower heads. The color of the flowers is a deep, wine-red hue that gives the plant its name, 'Claret'. This intense coloration can add a dramatic touch to gardens and landscapes. As it flowers, Claret Verbena generates numerous clusters which can cover the plant, creating a vivid display that is particularly eye-catching. The vibrant blossoms are known for attracting butterflies and other pollinators, adding to the dynamic nature of the plant. Although care has been taken to avoid mentioning specific dimensions, it's worth noting that the Glandularia 'Claret' has a growth form that tends to spread, allowing it to fill in spaces with its colorful presence. The overall impression of the plant is one of lush foliage and vibrant, profuse blooms that can add both texture and rich color to planting schemes.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Claret Vervain, Moses-in-the-Cradle, Claret Waterfall.
Common names
Verbena 'Claret', Verbena canadensis 'Claret'.
ToxicityTo humans
Glandularia 'Claret', commonly referred to as verbena, is generally not known to be toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, it's always wise to err on the side of caution and avoid ingesting parts of plants that are not commonly recognized as food sources. If verbena is ingested, it's unlikely to cause more than mild gastrointestinal discomfort, if any symptoms occur at all. Nevertheless, individuals with specific allergies might react differently, and if any adverse effects are observed, medical advice should be sought.
To pets
Verbena is not typically listed as a toxic plant for pets. However, sensitivity can vary between individual animals, and while it is unlikely to cause serious harm, ingestion could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets. As with any non-food plant, pet owners should prevent their pets from eating verbena, and if accidental ingestion occurs alongside negative symptoms, a veterinarian should be consulted to rule out any serious issues or specific sensitivities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Glandularia 'Claret', commonly known as Claret Verbena, is known for being easy to cultivate and maintain, making it accessible for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Claret Verbena has good drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering and making it suitable for dry climates.
- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators, which can help pollinate your garden and promote biodiversity.
- Long Blooming Season: Claret Verbena has a long flowering period, typically providing color and interest from spring to late summer or fall.
- Ground Cover: Due to its spreading habit, it can be used as a ground cover, filling in spaces and suppressing weeds in the garden.
- Colorful Landscaping: Its claret-colored flowers add a splash of rich, warm color to garden designs and landscapes.
- Adaptability: This plant can adapt to a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
- Containers and Hanging Baskets: Claret Verbena is suitable for containers and hanging baskets, offering versatility in how and where it can be planted.
- Low Maintenance: Requiring minimal care beyond the occasional watering and trimming, it's an ideal option for those seeking a low-maintenance garden.
- Resilience to Pests: Claret Verbena is relatively resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Glandularia 'Claret', also known as the verbena, can be used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects such as butterflies and bees to gardens, which aid in pollination of nearby plants.
- Verbena can be dried and included in potpourri mixes for its pleasant fragrance, adding a decorative and aromatic element to homes.
- The plant's colorful flowers can be used in natural dye production to impart subtle colors to fabrics and yarns.
- Verbena flowers can be pressed and used in floral craft projects such as making bookmarks, cards, or framed botanical art.
- Small cuttings of verbena can be used in miniature fairy gardens to add a touch of vivid color and texture.
- When planted along walkways or patios, verbena can provide a pleasant, natural aroma especially when leaves are brushed or crushed.
- Verbena can be used in educational settings as an example plant for studying botany and the life cycle of flowering plants.
- In landscaping, verbena can be used to stabilize soil and reduce erosion on slopes due to its spreading growth habit.
- Verbena's ability to grow in poor soils makes it suitable for rehabilitation projects in areas with degraded or nutrient-deficient land.
- As a low-maintenance plant, verbena is ideal for use in xeriscaping, the practice of landscaping that reduces the need for irrigation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Verbena is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Verbena is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion: The deep red or claret color of the Glandularia, commonly known as 'Claret Verbena,' often symbolizes intense emotion and passion.
- Vitality: Given its vigorous growth habit and vibrant colors, the Claret Verbena is frequently associated with energy and vitality.
- Healing: Verbena varieties have been used in traditional medicine, so they may carry symbolic meanings of healing and restoration.
- Creativity: The bright, inspiring hues of the Claret Verbena are sometimes linked to creativity and inspiration.
- Connection with Nature: As a plant that attracts butterflies and other pollinators, Claret Verbena symbolizes a deep connection with nature and the environment.
WaterMoss Verbena should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means watering approximately every week, but frequency may vary depending on factors like temperature and humidity. When watering, aim to provide enough water to evenly moisten the soil without causing standing water, which could lead to root rot. It's better to water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. In terms of amount, use about half a gallon for outdoor plants and adjust based on the size of the plant and pot.
LightMoss Verbena thrives best in full sun conditions, meaning it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this plant would be in an area where it can receive unfiltered sunlight during the majority of the day. If grown indoors, place it near a south-facing window to ensure it gets adequate light.
TemperatureMoss Verbena prefers warm temperatures and does well in a range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit but will flourish in the ideal range. Protect the plant from frost, as it is not tolerant of cold temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune Moss Verbena to maintain its shape and encourage bushy growth. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, will promote continuous blooming. Lightly prune the plant after the first flush of blooms, typically in late spring or early summer, to rejuvenate and encourage a second bloom. Pruning is best done with clean, sharp shears to prevent any damage to the stems.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Moss Verbena (Glandularia 'Claret') thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of loam, peat, and sand. A slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant. The best soil mix can be created by combining two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part coarse sand or perlite, which ensures good aeration and drainage.
RepottingMoss Verbena should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current container. It's best to repot in spring or early summer to allow the plant to establish in the growing season.
Humidity & MistingMoss Verbena prefers moderate humidity levels, but it is quite adaptable and can tolerate less humid conditions. It is important to ensure that the plant is not in a location with overly dry air, which indoor heating systems can often cause.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Moss Verbena in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Grow Moss Verbena in full sun to partial shade outdoors.
Hardiness zone
7-11 USDA
Life cycleGlandularia 'Claret', commonly known as Claret verbena, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in well-draining soil and provided with adequate warmth, will germinate. Upon germination, seedlings emerge and will continue to grow, developing a robust root system and foliage if given proper light and moisture. As it matures, the plant enters a vegetative state where it grows stems and leaves, and once it reaches maturity, it produces clusters of vivid, claret-colored flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers will produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. In the right conditions, Claret verbena can behave as a perennial, though it is often treated as an annual, meaning it would go through its entire life cycle within one growing season. As the plant reaches the end of its life cycle, it begins to senesce; foliage may yellow, and the plant will eventually die, having hopefully produced seeds for the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Glandularia 'Claret', commonly known as Claret Verbena, is through stem cuttings. To propagate, take a healthy stem cutting that is about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long from the parent plant during the late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. The cutting should have several sets of leaves. Remove the leaves from the bottom third of the cutting to expose the nodes where new roots will develop. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth and plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix. Maintain moisture and provide indirect light until roots have established and new growth is evident, which typically takes a few weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted well, they can be transplanted to their final location.
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