Goodding's Verbena
Glandularia gooddingii
A fragrant Southwestern native that carpets the ground with lavender-pink blooms, drawing butterflies from across the garden.
Hardy in USDA zones 7-11; a short-lived, root-hardy perennial in the low desert that may act as a cool-season annual in colder mid-desert winters.
AMWUA Notes
A low-water native groundcover that carpets bare soil in spring color while feeding butterflies.
Care Guide
Water weekly during spring bloom and every 1-2 weeks in summer; moderate but consistent moisture extends the flowering carpet.
Shear the whole plant back by half after the main spring flush to remove spent flowers and trigger repeat bloom into summer; a second shearing tidies it for fall.
Generally unnecessary; a light spring feed can boost bloom in poor soil.
Watch for spider mites in hot, dry stretches and occasional whitefly; increase airflow and rinse foliage to control.
A short-lived perennial best sown or planted in fall for a spring show; it reseeds readily to renew the stand.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Lean, well-drained sandy or gravelly desert soils; tolerates rocky and disturbed ground; avoid soggy soil.
Needs well-drained soil.
Low feeder.
Seed or cuttings; sow or plant in fall and it reseeds readily to renew the short-lived colony.
3 ft
Minimal; shallow-rooted and short-lived, it renews itself by reseeding rather than spreading aggressively.
Placement Tips
- •Use as a low, spreading groundcover to knit together the front of a wildflower bed.
- •Mass across open ground for a lavender-pink carpet rather than isolated plants.
- •Let it reseed into gravel to maintain the colony as older plants fade.
- •Site near paths and pollinator gardens where butterflies and the light fragrance are appreciated.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
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Use this care guide to maintain your Goodding's Verbena. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Goodding's Verbena — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Goodding's Verbena need in Phoenix?
Goodding's Verbena is a moderate-water perennial once established. Water weekly during spring bloom and every 1-2 weeks in summer; moderate but consistent moisture extends the flowering carpet. A low-water native groundcover that carpets bare soil in spring color while feeding butterflies.
How big does Goodding's Verbena get?
Expect roughly 1 ft tall and 3 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 3 ft of spacing when planting. Minimal; shallow-rooted and short-lived, it renews itself by reseeding rather than spreading aggressively.
Can you plant Goodding's Verbena near a pool?
Yes. Goodding's Verbena is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Goodding's Verbena handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Goodding's Verbena is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Hardy in USDA zones 7-11; a short-lived, root-hardy perennial in the low desert that may act as a cool-season annual in colder mid-desert winters. A short-lived perennial best sown or planted in fall for a spring show; it reseeds readily to renew the stand.
Does Goodding's Verbena have thorns?
No. Goodding's Verbena is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Goodding's Verbena safe around pets?
Goodding's Verbena is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Goodding's Verbena bloom in Arizona?
Goodding's Verbena blooms in spring, with lavender-pink flowers. The flowers are fragrant. The bloom draws butterflies.
How much maintenance does Goodding's Verbena need?
Goodding's Verbena is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Shear the whole plant back by half after the main spring flush to remove spent flowers and trigger repeat bloom into summer; a second shearing tidies it for fall.
What kind of soil does Goodding's Verbena need?
Lean, well-drained sandy or gravelly desert soils; tolerates rocky and disturbed ground; avoid soggy soil. Nutrient needs are low. Generally unnecessary; a light spring feed can boost bloom in poor soil.
Is Goodding's Verbena native to Arizona?
Yes. Goodding's Verbena is native to Arizona and to the Southwestern US, Northern Mexico, so it is adapted to local rainfall, soil and heat.