Moss Verbena Glandularia 'Lawrence Johnston'

Water

The plant commonly known as Verbena requires moderate watering but it is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged. Typically, water your Verbena when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which might be approximately once every week, depending on the climate conditions. During the growing season in spring and summer, Verbena may need more frequent watering, while in the cooler months, watering can be reduced. Provide the plant with about one to two gallons of water each time you water, ensuring you wet the soil thoroughly. It's vital to avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases, so water at the base of the plant.

Light

Verbena thrives in full sun and should be planted in a location where it can get at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. This plant loves the heat and will bloom more vigorously with more light. An ideal spot is a south-facing garden or a windowsill that receives ample sunshine throughout the day. However, in extremely hot climates, a bit of afternoon shade can help protect the plant from scorching.

Temperature

Verbena prefers warmer temperatures and does best when the environment ranges between 60°F and 80°F. It can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 55°F, but anything below can be detrimental to the plant's health. Moreover, it struggles to survive in temperatures exceeding 85°F for prolonged periods. It's crucial to keep Verbena away from frost and freezing conditions, as they are not frost-tolerant.

Pruning

Pruning Verbena is essential to promote bushier growth and encourage more blooms. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to maintain the plant's appearance and stimulate new flowers. Once a year, typically in early spring, trim back about one-fourth of the plant's size to rejuvenate and shape it. The best time for major pruning is after the last frost when the plant starts to show new growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Moss Verbena (Glandularia 'Lawrence Johnston') thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. A good recipe would be to combine two parts peat moss or coco coir, one part compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand. This composition ensures adequate drainage and nutrient retention.

Repotting

Moss Verbena should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current container. Repotting is typically done in the spring or early summer, providing a fresh soil mix to support the plant’s vigorous growth.

Humidity & Misting

Moss Verbena prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the drier air found in most home environments. Providing good air circulation around the plant helps to maintain optimal humidity conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light and good airflow for indoor Moss Verbena.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, protect from extreme cold, and ensure soil drainage.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Glandularia 'Lawrence Johnston', commonly known as Johnson's Glandularia, begins its life cycle as a seed which, when sown and exposed to appropriate conditions, germinates and sprouts into a seedling. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative stage, developing stems, leaves, and a root system. It then progresses to the flowering stage, where it produces clusters of vibrant flowers that attract pollinators and facilitate subsequent seed production. Following pollination, the plant sets seeds that are dispersed by various means such as wind or animal movement. After seed dispersal, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, especially in regions with unfavorable growing conditions. The life cycle completes when the plant eventually senesces and dies after producing seeds, although many individuals can live for several years, behaving as perennials in favorable climates.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Glandularia 'Lawrence Johnston', commonly known as Johnson's Verbena, can typically be propagated by cuttings. This method is especially popular because it allows for the clone of the parent plant, ensuring that the offspring bear the same desirable characteristics. For best results, cuttings should be taken in spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate Johnson's Verbena using cuttings, select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut a 3-4 inch (approximately 7.5-10 cm) piece just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, and keep it moist until roots have established, which usually takes a few weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted and begun to show new growth, they can be transplanted to their final location.