Verbena stricta (Hoary vervain)

Botanical name

Verbena stricta

Other names

Hoary vervain, Hoary verbena , Woolly verbena, Tall vervain, Hairy blue vervain

Genus

Verbena Verbena

Species

V. stricta - V. stricta is a vigorous, erect annual or short-lived perennial with ovate to oblong, white-hairy, grey-green leaves and, from midsummer to early autumn, slender, spike-like panicles of lavender to pink flowers blooming from the bottom up.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Erect

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Colour

Flower

Lilac in Summer; Lilac in Autumn

Foliage

Grey-green in Spring; Grey-green in Summer; Grey-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

Tends to self-seed readily. Deadhead faded flowering spikes to prevent unwanted seedlings.

Propagation methods

Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Verbena stricta (Hoary vervain) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 0.5m after 1-2 years.

Suggested uses

Wildflower, Prairie planting, Gravel, Drought Tolerant, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Wildlife

Cultivation

Thrives in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, sandy soil in full sun. Usually flowers the second year after seeding. Drought tolerant. Attracts bees and butterflies.

Soil type

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

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South

Exposure

Sheltered

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

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Verbena stricta (Hoary vervain)

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 stricta (Hoary vervain)

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/