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Description
Verbena Halei, commonly known as Hale’s vervain, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in pine rocklands, sandhills, and dry pinelands. This plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and has lance-shaped leaves that are up to 3 inches long.Verbena Halei is an important plant for pollinators, as it produces showy purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall. The flowers are arranged in dense spikes that can reach up to 8 inches long. Hale’s vervain can be propagated through seeds or cuttings and is often used in butterfly gardens, meadows, and naturalistic landscapes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Genus | Verbena |
Appearance
Verbena Halei has lance-shaped leaves that are 1-3 inches long and 0.25-0.5 inches wide. The leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem and have a toothed margin. The stem is square-shaped and can be either green or reddish-brown. The plant produces spikes of showy purple flowers that are 0.5-1 inch wide and bloom from late spring to early fall. Each flower has five petals and a white eye in the center.
Care Guide
Verbena Halei prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. This plant is drought-tolerant but requires regular watering during the growing season. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can improve the plant’s growth and flowering.Hale’s vervain is hardy in USDA zones 8-11 and can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. To propagate through seeds, collect them when they are ripe and sow them in well-draining soil. To propagate through cuttings, take stem cuttings in the spring, dip them in rooting hormone, and plant them in a well-draining potting mix.
Common Pests & Diseases
Verbena Halei is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, rust, and spider mites. Powdery mildew can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Rust can be prevented by removing infected leaves and avoiding overhead watering. Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plant with water and using insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Verbena Halei is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in pine rocklands, sandhills, and dry pinelands. It grows in well-drained sandy soils and is often found in open areas with full sun exposure. This plant is a valuable nectar source for pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Verbena Halei deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Verbena Halei is deer-resistant.
Q: How often should I water Verbena Halei?
A: Verbena Halei is drought-tolerant but requires regular watering during the growing season. Water deeply once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Q: Can I grow Verbena Halei in a container?
A: Yes, Verbena Halei can be grown in a container. Use a well-draining potting mix and provide full sun exposure.
Q: How do I deadhead Verbena Halei?
A: Deadhead Verbena Halei by removing spent flowers with a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. This will encourage more blooming and prevent the plant from self-seeding.
Related Plants
- Verbena Bonariensis
- Verbena Canadensis
- Verbena Hastata
- Verbena Rigida
References
- “Verbena Halei.” Floridata, floridata.com/plant/556.
- “Verbena Halei.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=VEHA3.
- “Verbena Halei.” Missouri Botanical Garden, missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f880.
