Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Blooming Surprise!

One of the biggest blooming surprises of "almost spring" is my purple Homestead Verbena. I planted a few plants last year, and really paid no attention to them this winter. About a month ago I noticed the plants looked pretty green considering our cold winter, and about 2 weeks ago I noticed buds. Now as I go out to check this bed, I see purple blooms all over!
Homestead Verbena is a perennial and should overwinter, but I read that some gardeners did lose their plants because of the colder than normal weather. This pretty purple flowering plant is a rampant grower. It likes full sun and endured our hot dry summer with no problems at all. Once it starts to flower in spring, it should flower right up to the first frost. It does have a rather woody look, but will fill in an area quite nicely. I love the way it spills over the stones around the flower bed.
Actually, I did not realize this verbena had spread as much as it has--I see shades of purple growing right in between the almost blooming bluebonnets. In summer, I have rudbeckia blooming in this area-the deep purple with that golden yellow is really pretty.
So..2 thumbs up for the purple Homestead Verbena! Don't you think it would look pretty in your garden?

12 comments:

tina said...

I love this little fella. Yup, it spreads like crazy before you know it. All the more to share around. I can't believe it is already blooming!

meemsnyc said...

Those are pretty purples!

Susie said...

Hey Linda, I love that verbena. I did have a bunch of it but it seems to have all died out. Hope you enjoy yours.

Meadowview Thymes said...

Tina, luckily I have it in a place that would be perfect for spreading! :)

meemsnyc--I love a touch of purple in the garden too!

Susie--do you think it was the weather, or do they just play out after a while? I am really happy for now, and think I would replant if needed.

Anonymous said...

That is a great perennial that I have neglected to plant so far in my garden. Must remedy this soon...lol ;)

Meadowview Thymes said...

Racquel--this verbena would look great in your garden!

misterreereeder said...

They certainly are colorful -AND- yes they would look great in any garden.

Meadowview Thymes said...

Thanks MR! They might look really pretty around your pool! :)

Cindy, MCOK said...

Homestead Purple Verbena is blooming like crazy in my rose bed. It bloomed so little last year that I considered yanking it. It's more than earned its keep already this year!

Meadowview Thymes said...

Cindy, wonder if the verbena enjoys a cold winter. Mine bloomed so/so last year, but that was the first year. I am so happy with it right now, I'll keep it forever if it keeps on blooming like this!

Barbee' said...

I seem to like purple more and more each year. Is that part of growing old?!

Meadowview Thymes said...

Barbee--that is so funny....because..I seem to be buying and enjoying more purple myself! My favorites in the garden is yellow and red--you add purple (or blue) to that, and Wow!