Verbena – Tukana^® Raspberry

"A Real Simple magazine - Top 10 goofproof Plant"

Features

"A Real Simple magazine - Top 10 goofproof Plant"

Attracts: Butterflies

Award Winner

Dead-Heading Not Necessary

Heat Tolerant

Maintenance Notes

Self-cleaning, no deadheading necessary.

While always great in containers they are also fantastic in landscape beds. They can tolerate dry soils and lower fertility. Normally either an application of slow release fertilizer or amending with compost is enough to keep them happy and blooming in landscape beds. They shouldn't need to be trimmed back but can be given a "haircut" - a trim back - using a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears at any time. While naturally well branched, trimming them back will encourage additional branching, fuller plants, and ultimately more flowers. I usually give them a very slight trim as I am transplanting to boost branching.

A yearly application of fertilizer or compost on garden beds and regular fertilization of plants in pots will help ensure the best possible performance.

Uses Notes

Use in hanging baskets, window boxes, landscaping and combination planters

Maintenance Category Easy

Water Category Average

Bloom Time

Flower Form Container, Landscape

Soil Fertility Average Soil

pH B - pH 5.8 - 6.2

EC (2:1 Extraction Method) 0.6 - 0.9

Fertilization 150 - 200

Light Requirements High

Water Requirements Moderate to Moist

Rooting Out Temperature 65 - 72° Fahrenheit

Growing On Temperature 65 - 72° Fahrenheit

Holding Temperature 50 - 60° Fahrenheit

Planting and Timing Information

Early Spring through Fall Finish. Standard PPP.

Finishing Times [weeks]
4-5" and Quart Pot : 4-6
6" and Gallon Pot : 5-7
7-9" Pot : 7-9
10-12" and Two Gallon Pot : 10-12

Pinching and Growth Regulators

For all sizes of containers, pinch the liner 1–2 weeks after transplant; for containers larger than 6” and for hanging baskets, trim around the edge of the container as needed prior to spacing or hanging of the baskets.

Sumagic at 5-10 ppm may be used to control growth. Growth can be controlled using lower temperatures.

Pest and Disease Management

General pest and disease practices as listed in notes. Powdery Mildew can be a problem for verbena. Proper air circulation, humidity control and water management will aid in control and prevention. A routine preventative spray program is encouraged. Red to purple spots can develop in lower light, cool temperatures and/or high pH situations. Maintain good fertilizer levels to avoid this problem.

Pseudomonas can cause purple leaf spots under cool, wet conditions. Preventative copper based fungicide applications are recommended when these conditions are present.