Verbena Lollipop

It is a relatively resilient plant, but it can sometimes be troubled by powdery mildew (a white coating on the leaves), especially at the end of summer if the plant is in the shade or in a planting that is too dense without air circulation. Regarding pests, aphids may appear, which most often stay on young shoots. However, chemical intervention is usually not necessary.

If you want to extend the flowering period until the first frosts, remove spent inflorescences. The plant will thus not be exhausted by seed production and will set new buds. However, if you want the plant to self-seed for the next year, let the last autumn flowers ripen on the plant.

To ensure the seedlings do not suffer shock from the sun and wind, it is necessary to harden them off. Proceed as follows:

1. One week before the planned planting, take the plants outside into semi-shade.
2. Start with 1–2 hours a day and gradually increase the time.
3. Protect them from direct midday sun and strong wind.
4. Take them back inside for the night initially.

This process ensures that the leaves will not be burnt and the plant will take root faster after planting.

Careful, do not confuse it with Aloysia citrodora (lemon verbena), which is used to make tea. Verbena bonariensis 'Lollipop' is primarily an ornamental plant. Although it is not toxic, it has no significant culinary use and its taste is not interesting. Grow it to please the eye and for butterflies.

Yes, that is a great trick! To make the plant dense and compact, we recommend pinching off the main shoot (the top) of the young plant. This will encourage the formation of side shoots, the plant will not have just one long stem, but will create a beautiful "bush" and bloom much more profusely.

Verbena Lollipop loves the sun and heat. Choose a place for it where the sun shines for most of the day. As for the soil:

• It must be very well-drained.
• It does not tolerate waterlogging; in heavy clay soil, its roots would rot.
• It tolerates drier and poorer soils well, resembling steppe conditions.

In our conditions, this verbena is a so-called short-lived perennial that is borderline frost-hardy. In warmer regions of the country (wine-growing regions) and in a sheltered spot with well-drained soil, it can survive a mild winter. We recommend:

• Do not cut the plant in the autumn (the hollow stems would soak up water and the roots would rot).
• Cover the root crown with a layer of dry leaves or brushwood.
• In higher altitudes, it is grown more as an annual, which, however, often renews itself by self-seeding.

Do not rush planting 'Lollipop' verbena seedlings. Since it is a plant originating from South America, it is sensitive to spring frosts. The ideal time is only after the "Ice Saints" (mid-May), when ground frosts are no longer a threat. The soil should already be warmed up. If you receive seedlings earlier, grow them meanwhile in a bright frost-free place (e.g., in a greenhouse or on a windowsill).

Thanks to its airiness and purple colour, it is a universal partner. It looks beautiful with:

• Ornamental grasses (e.g., feather grass Stipa or fountain grass Pennisetum).
• Roses (it hides their "bare legs" and complements them in colour).
• Coneflowers (Echinacea) and rudbeckias.
• In Mediterranean plantings with lavender or sage.

Wilting shortly after planting is often caused by insufficient watering in the first few days, when the root ball has not yet rooted into the surrounding soil. Even though adult verbena is drought-tolerant, a freshly planted seedling needs regular moisture until it takes hold. Check if the soil is completely dry and water it. Wilting can also be caused by excessive shock from the sun without prior hardening off.

Verbena bonariensis is generally not considered toxic to domestic animals (dogs, cats). However, the stems are tough and rough, so consuming them may cause digestive problems or mouth irritation for animals. It is not intended for feeding, but accidental nibbling should not cause poisoning.

The main difference is the height and habit. While the classic Verbena bonariensis grows up to 150 cm and can fall over due to wind, the 'Lollipop' cultivar is a compact dwarf form. It grows to a height of only around 60 cm, has sturdier stems, holds its shape better, and is more densely branched. This makes it ideal for the front parts of flower beds or for containers.

Definitely yes. Thanks to its lower stature, the 'Lollipop' cultivar is made for containers. Ensure:

• A sufficiently large pot with a drainage hole.
• A drainage layer at the bottom (expanded clay).
• Substrate mixed with sand or perlite for lightening. On the balcony, it will create a beautiful purple cloud that attracts butterflies.

Verbena is not demanding regarding nutrients. On the contrary, over-fertilization with nitrogen leads to lush leaf growth at the expense of flowers, and the plant may become leggy and flop over. It is amply sufficient to:

• Mix a little compost into the soil when planting.
• Fertilize once every 14 days during the season with a fertilizer for flowering plants (with a higher potassium and phosphorus content).

Yes, and very willingly! Even if the mother plant does not survive the winter, you will often find plenty of small seedlings around the original plant in the spring. Let them grow a little (you can recognize them by their serrated leaves and square stem) and then you can transplant them where you need them. Thanks to this, the verbena maintains itself in the garden.