perennial

Michelle Moss Verbena

Verbena tenuisecta 'Michelle'

The Story

Plant Bio

Verbena tenuisecta 'Michelle' is a low-growing, perennial shrub with fine, aromatic foliage and clusters of small, lavender-purple flowers that attract pollinators throughout the summer.

This cultivar is particularly valued for its compact, bushy habit and its ability to produce abundant, long-lasting blooms that add a vibrant splash of color to borders and containers.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides vibrant purple flowers throughout summer, adding color to borders.
Practical UsesDrought tolerant, reducing water needs.
Ecological BenefitsAttracts beneficial insects and pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South America

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in spring.
  2. Water gently to keep soil moist during germination.
  3. Place in full sun for best flowering.
  4. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
  5. Fertilize monthly during growing season.
  6. Deadhead spent blooms for continuous flowering.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
  • Prune lightly after flowering
  • Apply balanced fertilizer monthly

Don't

  • Overwater to avoid fungal issues ❌
  • Allow soil to become waterlogged ❌
  • Neglect deadheading

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful border plantDrought-tolerant groundcoverWildflower meadow accent

Companion Plants

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Michelle Moss Verbena questions

What zones can Michelle Moss Verbena grow in?

Michelle Moss Verbena is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Michelle Moss Verbena deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Michelle Moss Verbena, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Michelle Moss Verbena bloom?

Michelle Moss Verbena typically blooms in spring to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Michelle Moss Verbena need full sun?

Michelle Moss Verbena does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Michelle Moss Verbena drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Michelle Moss Verbena handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Michelle Moss Verbena with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.