2023 Native of the Year

A favorite Missouri native perennial, Rose Verbena, Verbena canadensis, also known as Glandularia canadensis, gives us clusters of rose pink blossoms from late spring through late summer and fall. Its sprawling, low-growing habit makes it an ideal ground cover. It resembles its annual cousin, but this beauty queen is hardy!

Rose Verbena makes a top choice for the garden, containers, naturalized, and spilling over rocks, borders, and walls. Rose Verbena is easy to grow in average, well-drained soil in full sun. Although the original plant may not be long-lived, it will self-seed and spread by its self-rooting stems to form a fast-spreading ground cover. This plant can take all Mother Nature’s abuse: drought, heat, high humidity, and rocky, dry soil.

Named the 2023 Native of the Year for its many outstanding qualities.

Plant in full sun in well-draining soil. Keep the plant well watered when first planted, until the plant gets established when the plant is setting up buds and blooming, and during dry spells. Although it will continue to bloom from spring till frost without consistent water, most flowers will be produced with adequate moisture.