creeping Charlie

Trailing verbena grows best when watered regularly and evenly. It is important to allow the soil to dry in between watering. During the growing season when temperatures are warm, water the plant deeply when the top inch of soil is dry. If the weather is exceptionally hot, you may need to water every 4-5 days. In colder months, reduce watering. During the winter, watering should only be done when the soil is completely dry. If the plant is in an area that does not receive any rainfall, you should water with 1 inch of water every week during the growing season.

Trailing verbena should be exposed to at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. During the warmer months, they may benefit from even more light, making it best to keep them in an area that receives full sun. During the summer, you can keep them in direct sun for up to 10 hours a day. During periods of intense heat, providing light shade during the hottest parts of the day (usually afternoon) will help keep the plant healthy. In winter, when the sun is lower in the sky and the days are shorter, trailing verbena can get along with less light. Aim for at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight every day, or keep it in a bright, sunny window indoors.

Trailing verbena (Glandularia canadensis) should be pruned regularly in order to maintain its attractive trailing habit. Pruning should be done twice a year; once in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins and again in the summer, after the plant flowers. For the late winter or early spring pruning, cut the plant back to between 2 and 3 inches in height, removing any weak or spindly growth. For the summer pruning, trim off spent flowers and dead or diseased stems down to the ground. If the plant is too large or unruly, it can be cut back more severely at this time. Regular pruning will promote healthy, vigorous growth and keep the trailing verbena looking neat and attractive.