Verbena ‘Blue Princess’

Verbena x hybrida ‘Blue Princess’

Characteristics

Culture

Verbena ‘Blue Princess’ will thrive in neutral to mildly acidic soil with average amounts of moisture. It is subject to mildew if over watered. For the best show of flowers, this plant must be pruned after blooming for a second crop of flowers. An application of slow release, balanced fertilizer once a month is also beneficial. The plant can be cut back close to the ground after the first frost and will return to full growth beginning in late winter. Verbena ‘Blue Princess’ plants can be propagated by root ball division or layering.  The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies and are good for drying.

Noteworthy Characteristics

A low-spreading herbaceous perennial with bright lavender flowers, Verbena ‘Blue Princess’ is an English form recommended as a Texas Superstar® by Greg Grant during his tenure as the Bexar County AgriLife Extension horticulturist. Plant it in full, well-drained 8-hour summer sun and do not pamper it; as with other verbenas, watering in fall, winter, and spring will induce powdery mildew. ‘Blue Princess’ has a trailing habit which makes it ideal for retaining walls, ground cover or hanging baskets. Although technically a perennial plant, the verbena hybrids are usually grown as annuals.

Problems

Resistant to powdery mildew unless overwatered.

Garden Uses

An improved butterfly attracting, easy care perennial, Verbena ‘Blue Princess’ offers a profusion of showy lavender-blue flowers on a vigorous spreading form. It has shown both increased heat and cold tolerance in harsh conditions of Texas where it was introduced.