Vervains – Hoary vervain (Verbena stricta) Seeds
Vervains – Hoary vervain (Verbena stricta) Seeds
Hoary vervain is a short-lived perennial of dry prairies. Its lavender-blue flowers bloom for over a month in July and August with fuzzy, gray-green foliage. This plant makes a dramatic addition to any landscape with very dry soil. Establish in a meadow or plant as a large group in a dry perennial bed or urban sidewalk strip. Numerous pollinating insects visit the flowers in bloom, the foliage serves as a host for the Buckeye butterfly, and birds relish the seeds in winter.
Native to Maine: No. Native to the Midwest.
Growing conditions: Full sun in dry soil
Grows up to: 2'
Blooms: In mid-summer
Pairs well with: Wild bee-balm, butterfly milkweed, Bowman’s root, Scotch bellflower, and black-eyed coneflower
Natural habitat: Sunny, dry meadows and roadsides
Seeds per packet: 50-100
These seeds require a cold period to germinate - a minimum of 60 days below 40°F in moist soil (or sand or vermiculite). Sow outdoors in pots, on the soil surface and leave uncovered, November through February.A great species for beginner seed-sowers.