Glandularia canadensis

Common Names

Rose Verbena, Rose Vervain, Rose Mock Vervain, Clump Verbena, Sweet William

Summary

Glandularia canadensis, commonly Rose Verbena or Rose Vervain, is a low-growing clumping perennial with sprawling, node-rooting stems that form dense ground cover. Reaching 6–18 inches tall and 1–2 feet wide, it bears flat-topped clusters of rose-pink to rose-purple flowers from late spring through summer and prefers full sun with dry to well-drained soils, tolerating rocky or poor soils and drought. It self-seeds readily and can spread quickly to establish extensive ground cover.

Sources describe this species as native to the United States (notably Missouri) and hardy in USDA zones 5–9, with annual life in cooler regions. It is commonly grown in rock gardens, borders, edging, containers, or hanging baskets, and attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Management notes warn of powdery mildew and Botrytis blight in damp soils, root rot in wet conditions, and occasional pests such as slugs, snails, or spider mites; propagation can occur by seed, root division, or softwood cuttings.

Lifecycle

Annual, Perennial

Height

6-18 inches

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun. Tolerates partial sun.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, dry to medium moisture

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

Strongly acidic to slightly acidic soil.

Bloom Color

Pink to purple, including rose-pink and lavender.

Bloom Time

Spring through Fall

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Unknown

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer.

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Layering, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators