Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Perennials

Sandpaper Verbena, Verbena rigida

Sandpaper Verbena, Verbena rigida October 11, 2006. Boyce Thompson Arboretum.

Sandpaper Verbena Leaves Verbena rigida	Sandpaper Verbena Flowers Verbena rigida

Sandpaper Verbena Verbena rigida, Verbena Family: ( Verbenaceae ), Sandpaper Verbena. Also called: Coarse Verbena. A low upright, evergreen, herbaceous, ground cover. It flowers from summer to fall, and is very attractive to butterflies. It is very tolerant of heat and drought making it a good choice for a sunny, hot perennial border. This verbena is a freely branching perennial with opposite lance-shaped leaves which are very rough to the touch. The leaves are two to four inches long and one-half to one and a half inches wide. They are sessile and have a coarsely-toothed margin. The flower clusters are stiffly erect spikes, each two to three inches long and three-fourths inch across. The small individual flower has a slender tube and five petals. Height: About 12 inches high, with a spread of 2 - 4 feet. Flowers: The flower clusters are stiffly erect spikes, each 2 to 3 inches long and 3/4 inch across. The small individual flowers have a slender tube and five purple petals. Stalk: Several erect, sparsely leaved stems with pinkish-lavender, bilaterally symmetrical flowers in a long, open, interrupted cluster. Blooming Time: February - November. Leaves: Leaves are opposite lance-shaped leaves which are very rough to the touch. The leaves are 2 to 4 inches long and 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches wide. They are sessile and have a coarsely-toothed margin. Found: Native of South America in Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil. Elevation: 800 - 3,500 Feet. Habitat: Loves sun and dry, almost arid conditions. Do not overwater,, Well-drained/light soils. Miscellaneous: Photos Taken October 11, 2006. Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping.