Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta)
$4.00
Out of stock
Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta)
A rugged, upright beauty that thrives where other plants struggle. Known for its velvety "hoary" foliage and long-lasting spikes of violet flowers, it’s a powerhouse for dry, sunny landscapes.
🌿 Key Traits
Summer Bloom: Features elegant, candelabra-like spikes of tiny purple-to-lavender flowers that bloom from the bottom up.
Velvety Foliage: Covered in fine, silvery-white hairs (giving it the "hoary" name) that protect it from intense heat.
Architectural Form: Grows in a neat, vertical clump, typically reaching 2–4 feet tall.
Extended Bloom Time: One of the longest-blooming prairie plants, often flowering from June through September.
☀️ Growing Conditions
Light: ☀️ Full Sun (required for its best shape and color).
Soil: 🌱 Thrives in dry, sandy, or rocky soils; extremely tolerant of poor soil and heavy clay.
Water: 💧 Low; exceptionally drought-tolerant once established—perfect for "hellstrips" or rock gardens.
Hardiness: ❄️ Zones 3–9.
🌎 Ecological Benefits
Pollinator Powerhouse: A top-tier nectar source for honeybees, bumblebees, and specialist bees.
Butterfly Favorite: Highly attractive to many species, including the Common Buckeye and various Hairstreaks.
Wildlife Food: The small, nut-like seeds are a favorite winter snack for songbirds like Cardinals and Sparrows.
Deer Resistant: The fuzzy texture of the leaves makes it unpalatable to deer and rabbits.
📋 Quick Stats
Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Bloom Color: Deep Lavender / Violet
Spacing: 1–1.5 feet apart
Self-Seeding: Will gently self-sow in open soil, making it great for naturalizing.
Image credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie (www.flickr.com)