Verbena hybrida obsession (R) 'Formula Mix' (Verbena 'Polka Mix')

Botanical name

Verbena hybrida obsession (R) 'Formula Mix'

Other names

Verbena 'Polka Mix'

Genus

Verbena Verbena

Variety or Cultivar

'Formula Mix' _ 'Formula Mix' is a herbaceous perennial, often grown as an annual. It has green, finely cut leaves and rounded clusters of flowers in a mix of pinks, reds, purples and white, with white or pink centres throughout summer and into autumn.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Spreading

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Colour

Flower

Pink, White, Red, Purple in Summer; Purple, Pink, White, Red in Autumn

Foliage

Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest free

Specific pests

Aphids , Leafhoppers , Slugs

Diseases

Generally disease free

General care

Pruning

Cut down once flowering is finished.

Propagation methods

Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Verbena hybrida obsession (R) 'Formula Mix' (Verbena 'Polka Mix') will reach a height of 0.2m and a spread of 0.2m after 1-2 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, City, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Hanging baskets

Cultivation

Grow in moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. In cold areas, protect with a dry winter mulch.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Verbena hybrida obsession (R) 'Formula Mix' (Verbena 'Polka Mix')

Common pest name

grape ground pearl

Scientific pest name

Margarodes vitis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Main pathway; Vitis spp. plants for planting; already prohibited. However; further consideration of other pathways is required.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Verbena hybrida obsession (R) 'Formula Mix' (Verbena 'Polka Mix')

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Phytophthora tentaculata Kröber & Marwitz - All Hosts

Type

Oomycete

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous pathogen present in parts of Europe and beyond.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/