Moss Verbena
Glandularia tenera
A low-spreading perennial from South America that weaves a vibrant purple carpet beloved by butterflies.
Hardy in USDA zones 8-11; evergreen groundcover in the low desert that dies back in hard freezes and returns from roots or reseeds each spring.
AMWUA Notes
A long-blooming, moderate-water groundcover that covers ground quickly and keeps butterflies coming for months.
Care Guide
Water every 1-2 weeks through the long bloom season and every 2-3 weeks in winter; it flowers most heavily with steady but modest moisture.
Shear back by half whenever bloom slows to spark fresh flowering flushes; cut hard in late winter to renew a tired, woody patch.
A light spring feeding supports the extended bloom; otherwise not required.
Prone to spider mites in extreme heat and drought — keep it watered and rinse foliage; whiteflies are an occasional nuisance.
Blooms spring through fall and stays evergreen in mild winters, dying back only in hard frost; reseeds to spread.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Lean to average, well-drained desert soils; tolerant of poor, rocky, or sandy ground; needs drainage.
Needs well-drained soil.
Low feeder.
Seed or cuttings; trailing stems root where they touch soil and it reseeds to spread.
2–2.5 ft
Spreads by trailing, rooting stems and reseeding and can wander, but is shallow-rooted and easy to pull.
Placement Tips
- •Deploy as a fast, weed-smothering groundcover over slopes and open beds.
- •Space plants 24-30 inches apart so the finely cut foliage knits into a continuous mat.
- •Combine with taller upright perennials that rise above its low purple carpet.
- •Give it full sun and warmth; it tolerates reflected heat along walks and drives.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Moss Verbena. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Moss Verbena — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Moss Verbena need in Phoenix?
Moss Verbena is a moderate-water perennial once established. Water every 1-2 weeks through the long bloom season and every 2-3 weeks in winter; it flowers most heavily with steady but modest moisture. A long-blooming, moderate-water groundcover that covers ground quickly and keeps butterflies coming for months.
How big does Moss Verbena get?
Expect roughly 1 ft tall and 3 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 2–2.5 ft of spacing when planting. Spreads by trailing, rooting stems and reseeding and can wander, but is shallow-rooted and easy to pull.
Can you plant Moss Verbena near a pool?
Yes. Moss Verbena is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Moss Verbena handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Moss Verbena is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Hardy in USDA zones 8-11; evergreen groundcover in the low desert that dies back in hard freezes and returns from roots or reseeds each spring. Blooms spring through fall and stays evergreen in mild winters, dying back only in hard frost; reseeds to spread.
Does Moss Verbena have thorns?
No. Moss Verbena is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Moss Verbena safe around pets?
Moss 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 Moss Verbena bloom in Arizona?
Moss Verbena blooms in spring-fall, with purple flowers. The bloom draws butterflies.
How much maintenance does Moss Verbena need?
Moss Verbena is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Shear back by half whenever bloom slows to spark fresh flowering flushes; cut hard in late winter to renew a tired, woody patch.
What kind of soil does Moss Verbena need?
Lean to average, well-drained desert soils; tolerant of poor, rocky, or sandy ground; needs drainage. Nutrient needs are low. A light spring feeding supports the extended bloom; otherwise not required.
Is Moss Verbena native to Arizona?
No. Moss Verbena is not an Arizona native; it originates from the South America, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.