Verbena 'Wicked™ Rad Red'
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Verbena hybrida ‘Wicked™ Rad Red’: A Vibrant Addition to Your Garden

Verbena ‘Wicked™ Rad Red’ or Verbena hybrida ‘Wicked™ Rad Red’, commonly known as Wicked Rad Red Verbena, is a captivating hybrid that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. This plant is renowned for its vibrant, multicolored blooms that range from bright red to light pink and white. The compact, mounding habit of this Verbena makes it a versatile choice for various garden settings, including containers, hanging baskets, and flower beds.

Scientific Name: Verbena hybrida ‘Wicked™ Rad Red’
Common Name: Wicked Rad Red Verbena
Plant Family: Verbenaceae

Originating from the temperate regions of the Americas, Verbenas have long been cherished for their long blooming season and ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. The ‘Wicked™ Rad Red’ variety is no exception, offering both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits.

Plant Characteristics

  • Life Cycle: Perennial in USDA Zones 8-11, grown as an annual in colder climates.
  • Height: 6-8 inches.
  • Spread: 12-16 inches.
  • Sun Requirements: Full sun for optimal growth and blooming.
  • Water Preferences: Mesic to dry-mesic; requires well-drained soil.
  • Flower Color: Bright red with shades of light pink and white.
  • Flowering Season: Late spring to fall, with continuous blooming if deadheaded regularly.
  • Habit: Compact and mounding, suitable for containers and garden beds.

Care Instructions for Verbena ‘Wicked™ Rad Red’:

Light Requirements:
Verbena ‘Wicked™ Rad Red’ thrives in full sun, requiring at least eight to ten hours of direct sunlight daily. This exposure ensures robust blooming and healthy foliage.

Soil and Watering:
The plant prefers well-draining soil amended with compost or fresh potting soil. While verbenas are drought-tolerant, they perform best with consistent moisture. Aim to provide about an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Avoid overwatering, as verbenas do not tolerate soggy soil.

Fertilization:
Apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to support growth and flowering. For verbenas in containers or hanging baskets, use a liquid fertilizer monthly or as directed on the product label.

Pruning and Maintenance:
Regular deadheading is essential for prolonged blooming and maintaining a compact growth habit. Pinch the tips of the plants to encourage branching. When flowering slows, cut back the plant by about one-fourth and provide a thorough watering and feeding.

Pest and Disease Management:
Verbena ‘Wicked™ Rad Red’ is relatively pest-resistant, but it can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to manage these pests. Powdery mildew and Botrytis blight can affect verbenas, so ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage when watering. Remove and destroy any infected plant parts.

Propagation

From Seeds:
Some verbenas self-sow, allowing for natural propagation. Collect ripened seed pods, let them dry for about a week, and then release the seeds by gently rubbing the pods. Sow the seeds in moist soil without covering them, as they need light to germinate.

From Cuttings:
Verbena can also be propagated from cuttings taken in late spring. Select healthy 3-inch cuttings, remove all but the top one or two sets of leaves, and plant them in a pot with moist, well-draining medium. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and keep it in a warm location. Roots should form in about six weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted.

Uses and Landscape Applications

Verbena ‘Wicked™ Rad Red’ is a versatile plant suitable for various garden applications:

  • Containers and Hanging Baskets: Its trailing habit makes it perfect for spilling over the edges of pots and baskets.
  • Flower Beds and Borders: The compact size and vibrant blooms add color and interest to garden beds and borders.
  • Ground Cover: When planted en masse, verbenas create a colorful ground cover that attracts beneficial insects.
  • Pollinator Gardens: The bright flowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.

In conclusion, Verbena hybrida ‘Wicked™ Rad Red’ is a stunning, low-maintenance plant that brings vibrant color and life to any garden. With proper care, it will reward you with continuous blooms from late spring through fall, providing beauty and ecological benefits all season long.

Verbena 'Wicked™ Rad Red'
Verbena ‘Wicked™ Rad Red’

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