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 December
2003
 Phacelia
sericea
November
2003
Campanula
rotundifolia
October
2003
Tulipa
batalanii
September
2003
Allium
oreophilum
 August
2003
Verbena
canadensis
July
2003
Pterocephalus
pinardii
June
2003
Campanula
kemulariae
May
2003
Delphinium
glareosum
April
2003
Anemone
ranunculoides
March
2003
Trillium
nivale
February
2003
Adonis
vernalis
January
2003
Penstemon
davidsonii v menziesii
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1999
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1998
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1997
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Plant
of the Month
August
2003
Verbena
canadensis
by Iza Goroff
Verbena
canadensis is a member of the Verbenaceae, the
verbena family. Most of the members of the family are tender
or tropical, e.g. Lantana, or dieback shrubs, e.g.
Caryopteris and Vitex. although many may be grown as annuals
in the temperate garden.
Verbena
canadensis is native to the southern and mid-northern
states from Florida and Virginia on the east to Colorado and
Iowa on the west,and south into Mexico. Hortus III claims
that Verbena canadensis is grown as an annual in the north.
Our experience is that it is perfectly hardy to at least -32
F (-35 C), as long as the soil in which it is planted is
relatively sandy and well drained. Since its range is so
extensive, across several hardiness zones, some selections
may not be hardy.
Those who
have grown the annual verbenas have a good idea as to the
size and habit of Verbena
canadensis. It grows to about one foot (30 cm) tall
and at least that wide. Its flowers are in spikes, yet end
up looking like flat umbels. Each flower is about 0.4"
across with the cluster about 3" across. The flowers are
fragrant, a clove or cinnamon fragrance similar to some
Dianthus species. The most common flower color is a purplish
pink, though other colors from purple and red to pink and
white have been recorded and selected.
Verbena
canadensis does best in full or part sun. It blooms
over a very long period, starting in May or June. It can
sprawl; if cut back sharply after its first bloom, it will
repeat bloom, blooming well into September. It is easily
grown from seed. Garden plants will seed about, producing
enough plants for NARGS chapter plant sales.
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