Key Features

• Growth Habit:
  • Low-growing, spreading perennial groundcover
  • Typically grows 6–12 inches tall and spreads 24–36 inches or more
  • Forms dense mats of foliage with trailing stems
• Bloom Color:
  • Brilliant violet-purple to rich magenta-purple flower clusters
• Fragrance:
  • Light, sweet floral fragrance
• Fruit Flavor:
  • Not grown for edible fruit production
• Culinary Uses:
  • No significant culinary uses
• Medicinal & Traditional Uses:
  • Primarily cultivated as an ornamental landscape plant
  • While some Verbena species have traditional herbal uses, 'Homestead Purple' is grown mainly for its ornamental and pollinator value
• Wildlife Attraction & Pest Resistance:
  • Highly attractive to butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators
  • Deer resistant
  • Rabbit resistant
  • Generally resistant to pests and diseases when planted in well-drained soil
• Planting Zones: USDA Zones 7–10
  • Often grown as an annual in colder climates
• Sun Preferences:
  • Full sun
  • Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for maximum flowering
• Drought Tolerance:
  • High once established
• When to Prune:
  • Lightly trim after the first heavy flush of blooms to encourage fresh growth and additional flowering.
  • Remove dead or damaged stems in late winter or early spring.
  • Shear lightly during the growing season if plants become leggy.

Planting Instructions (From a 3.5" Pot into the Ground)

1. Choose the Location

• Select a sunny location with well-drained soil.
• Ideal for borders, rock gardens, slopes, pollinator gardens, hanging baskets, and groundcover plantings.

2. Prepare the Soil

• Loosen soil 8–10 inches deep.
• Incorporate compost if needed to improve drainage and soil structure.

3. Dig the Hole

• Dig a hole twice as wide as the 3.5-inch pot and equal depth.

4. Remove from Pot

• Carefully remove the plant from the container.
• Gently loosen any circling roots before planting.

5. Plant

• Place the root ball level with the surrounding soil surface.
• Backfill with soil and gently firm around the roots.

6. Water Thoroughly

• Water deeply after planting.
• Keep soil evenly moist until the plant becomes established.

7. Mulch

• Apply a light layer of mulch around the plant while keeping it away from the crown to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

8. Spacing

• Space plants 18–24 inches apart for quick ground coverage and good air circulation.

Overwintering Purple Homestead Verbena

In-Ground Plants

• Hardy in USDA Zones 7–10.
• Evergreen to semi-evergreen in mild winter climates.
• In colder portions of its range, foliage may die back but plants often regrow from the crown in spring.

Winter Care Tips

• Apply a light layer of mulch after the first hard frost to protect the root system.
• Avoid overly wet soils during winter, as poor drainage can lead to root rot.
• Leave foliage in place until late winter to provide additional protection for the crown.

Spring Maintenance

• Cut back winter-damaged stems in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
• Fertilize lightly in spring to encourage vigorous new growth and abundant flowering.

Container-Grown Plants

• Move containers to a sheltered location in areas with severe winters.
• Water sparingly during dormancy, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Resume regular watering and fertilization once new growth appears in spring.

Purple Homestead Verbena is an outstanding perennial for gardeners seeking season-long color, exceptional drought tolerance, and outstanding pollinator appeal. Its brilliant purple blooms, spreading habit, and easy-care nature make it an excellent choice for sunny borders, groundcovers, cottage gardens, rock gardens, and wildlife-friendly landscapes where it will provide vibrant color from spring until frost.