Verbena lilacina 'De La Mina' (De La Mina Verbena)

Shrub

Jan 5

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Verbena lilacina 'De La Mina'
De La Mina Verbena

Photographed in April

Photographed in June

Photographed in May

Characteristics

Height: 2 - 3 ft

Width: 3 – 6 ft

Hardiness: Very hardy

Natural Setting: Canyons and bluffs in maritime desert scrub below 3500 ft. ‘De La Mina’ is a cultivar of Verbena lilacina from Cedros Island in Baja California.⁴

Plant Type: Shrub

Dormancy: Summer Semi-Deciduous

Form: Rounded

Growth Rate: Fast

Flower Season: Spring-Summer

Soil: Moderate Draining

Sun Exposure: Full sun near that coast, partial shade inland

Water Requirements: Low once established but can look better with additional watering

Cold Tolerance: 25 degrees F

Overview

An adaptable perennial with lightly scented purple blossoms that attract all kinds of butterflies. Though this plant has more flowers in the spring, it does have blossoms throughout most of the year, especially if given supplemental water.³ The ‘De La Mina’ selection has slightly darker colored flowers and has a nice rounded form.

Care & Maintenance

In hot dry climates, additional water will help rejuvenate plants. It tolerates fairly regular watering as long as the soil is well draining. It will tolerate clay as long as it’s given less water.³ Check out our watering guide for more guidance.

Too much water may lead to leggy, less tidy plants. A light shearing during the summer months can help make the plants denser. An annual pruning to remove spent blossoms will help with aesthetics and to retain the compact rounded form.⁴

Wildlife

Attracts a variety of butterflies, especially Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) Butterflies.

Uses

Adds charm to butterfly gardens and mixed borders, making it a versatile and delightful addition to any garden setting. An excellent container plant and even works in a hanging basket. Plant it where you can enjoy the scent and butterfly visitors.

Anecdotal Experiences

At 3x month water, blooms nearly the entire warm season in San Diego. Any less water and it will primarily bloom just in spring with spot blooming after rain.