Soft Verbena
glandularia tenera
Also known as: ["Verbena tenera","Soft Vervain"]
Overview
A delicate, spreading perennial with small, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, lavender, or white, native to South America.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Verbenaceae |
| Genus: | Glandularia |
| Botanical Name: | Glandularia tenera |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days in dry conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to control size and shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with sand or perlite if needed.
Temperature
Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); can tolerate mild frosts but thrives in moderate warmth.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from cold drafts; maintain moderate warmth for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize less in winter; apply to moist soil to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone (optional), plant in medium, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid, and bright indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic bag if needed.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or leggy growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune dead/leggy growth, shape the plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare fresh soil, handle roots carefully, water after repotting, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water is removed to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold; yellowing leaves in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, and can lead to root damage in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; cover if frost is expected.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in excessive heat; may drop leaves to conserve water.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest Glandularia tenera may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation. The plant's effects are generally not life-threatening but can cause discomfort and require attention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Glandularia tenera may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant's compounds can cause irritation to the dog's digestive system, resulting in symptoms that are usually self-limiting but warrant monitoring.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicGlandularia tenera, commonly known as slender vervain, can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in significant quantities. The plant contains compounds that may irritate the digestive tract, leading to discomfort but typically not severe poisoning.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Glandularia tenera be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It is drought-tolerant once established.
Q: Does Glandularia tenera attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators due to its fragrant flowers.
Q: Can Glandularia tenera be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers, but ensure adequate drainage and regular pruning to prevent overcrowding.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Verbenaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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