Goodding's Verbena

glandularia gooddingii

Also known as: ["Goodding Verbena","Goodding's Vervain"]

Family: Verbenaceae Genus: Glandularia Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to North America, known for its clusters of small, fragrant pink or lavender flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Verbenaceae
Genus: Glandularia
Botanical Name: Glandularia gooddingii

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: raised garden bed or container in a sunny spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 2–3 months to maintain shape.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade in intense summer heat.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent sunburn.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; rotate pot for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for nutrients.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); thrives in arid to semi-arid conditions.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature changes; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter

Fertilize lightly to avoid leggy growth; apply after watering to prevent root burn; stop in fall to prepare for dormancy.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings; division of clumps in spring.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic bag.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips; cut just above a leaf node or bud; remove dead or leggy stems.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead growth; shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for rejuvenation.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry before the next watering.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or leaf burn in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows or halts; risk of frost damage in temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection in cold climates; reduce watering in cooler temperatures.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges; growth may slow; risk of sunburn.

Solution: Provide partial 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.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Glandularia gooddingii may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, which can impair photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Glandularia gooddingii is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root issues, which can lead to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Glandularia gooddingii may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation if left untreated.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Glandularia gooddingii due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Glandularia gooddingii is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested or handled.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No specific safety precautions are required for cats interacting with Glandularia gooddingii.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Glandularia gooddingii is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested or handled.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No specific safety precautions are required for dogs interacting with Glandularia gooddingii.
Humans
Non-toxic

Glandularia gooddingii is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It is generally considered safe for handling and consumption.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No specific safety precautions are required for human interaction with Glandularia gooddingii.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Goodding's Verbena toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: How much maintenance does it require?

A: It requires moderate maintenance, primarily watering during dry periods.

Quick Reference
Family: Verbenaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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