Three native Verbena species occur in
Florida. Two of them — Beach verbena
(Glandularia maritima) and Tampa
verbena (G. tampensis) — are state-listed
as endemic and endangered. Both are
attractive and work well in landscapes.
Description
Tampa verbena occurs on the east and
west coasts of peninsular Florida, from
Lee to Levy counties on the west side and
from Volusia to Indian River counties on
the east. Beach verbena is found mostly
on the east coast — from St. Johns to
Monroe counties — but also has been
documented in Levy County on the west
coast.
Verbena produces clusters of deep pink
to lavender owers year-round, although
the most prolic owering occurs in
spring and summer. Its owers — along
with its adaptable nature and attractive
dark-green, diamond-shaped leaves —
have earned it a place in many gardens.
Both species are short-lived evergreen
Verbena
perennials, lasting up to three years.
Tampa verbena reaches up to 2 feet in
height with a spread of 3 to 4 feet. Beach
verbena is a low-growing, sprawling plant
with a maximum height of 8 inches and a
spread of 2 feet or more when mature.
Planting
Use verbena as a low groundcover in
a bed, on a woodland edge, or in a
container or above-ground planter. It is
particularly striking when used in masses.
Plants should be spaced from 3 to 4 feet
apart to allow for their spread. They may
be planted anytime between February
and December.
Seeds
Verbena does not reseed readily in
landscapes. Seeds of these species are
not usually available commercially.
Plants
Plants are available at native nurseries
and some mainstream retail nurseries.
Care
Verbena is relatively free of pests and
disease, provided it isn’t watered too
much. Light pruning may be necessary in
more formal settings;
otherwise, plants are
maintenance-free.
Site conditions
Beach verbena
adapts to a variety
of acidic and alkaline soils, including
clay, loam and sand. Try it in dry, lownutrient
soils where other plants have
trouble growing; do not over-irrigate it.
Plant in full sun. Because it’s found in
coastal communities, its salt and drought
tolerance is high.
Tampa verbena prefers more moisture
and can adapt to full sun and partial
shade. It does well in a container,
provided it receives sufcient sun and is
watered often.
Verbena can sustain freeze damage in
northern counties.
Hardiness zones
Beach verbena is best suited for zones
9a–11, while Tampa verbena is better for
zones 9a–10b.
Verbena is a good nectar source for
a variety of butteries and moths,
including Gulf fritillaries, hawkmoths
and Long-tailed skippers. It is also
attractive to miner bees and longtongued
bees such as bumble and
orchid bees.
8–24 in
Nectar
There are many nonnative
verbenas
CAUTION
available. Be sure to ask
your nursery or supplier
for native species.
Verbena species may hybridize, so it
is important to plant the species found
naturally in your area to help preserve
the distinct genetic identities and
ecological roles of these plants.
Photo by Ron and Diane Bynum
Tampa verbena
Photo by Andrea England
Beach verbena
Photo by Melanie Long
Zebra longwing on Tampa verbena
Photo by Peg Urban
Tampa verbena