Verbena ‘Temari® Trailing Red’

Vibrant Scarlet Trails: Discover the Allure of Verbena ‘Temari® Trailing Red’

Verbena ‘Temari® Trailing Red’ is a captivating hybrid variety from the expansive and diverse Verbena genus, which belongs to the family Verbenaceae. This plant family includes vibrant, colorful flowering plants, many of which are popular in ornamental gardening. The ‘Temari® Trailing Red’ variety is part of the Suntory® Collection Europe, a renowned collection of hybrids that exhibit exceptional qualities such as vibrant blooms, vigorous growth, and disease resistance.

They have cultivated Verbena species for centuries, valued for their ability to produce abundant blooms over an extended period. They are popular in gardens for ground cover, borders, and hanging baskets. The ‘Temari® Trailing Red’ continues this tradition by offering a profusion of deep scarlet red flowers that are particularly eye-catching.

Description

Verbena ‘Temari® Trailing Red’ is a low-growing, trailing perennial that creates a vibrant, spreading carpet of color. The plant typically reaches a height of 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25 cm). It can spread up to 48 inches (122 cm) across. ‘Temari® Trailing Red’ is an excellent choice for ground cover, hanging baskets, and container gardening.

The plant is popular for its large, dense clusters of frilly, deep scarlet red flowers that bloom continuously from spring through fall. The foliage is medium green, providing a perfect backdrop that highlights the intense red flowers. Unlike some other red-flowering plants, ‘Temari® Trailing Red’ maintains a true red color without any hints of orange or blue, ensuring a consistent and striking appearance in the garden.

This variety has vigorous growth habits and resistance to common diseases such as powdery mildew, common rust, and verticillium wilt. It is also heat-tolerant, making it suitable for a wide range of climates, particularly in warmer regions where it grows as a perennial.

Care Instructions for Verbena ‘Temari® Trailing Red’:

Sunlight: Verbena ‘Temari® Trailing Red’ thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This exposure is crucial for promoting vigorous growth and continuous blooming.

Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.2. A peat/perlite mix is ideal for container-grown plants, ensuring proper drainage and aeration. While ‘Temari® Trailing Red’ can tolerate a variety of soil types, well-drained conditions are essential to prevent root rot and other moisture-related issues.

Watering: This Verbena variety requires regular watering, especially during the establishment phase. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once established, the plant is moderately drought-tolerant but will perform best with consistent moisture. Overhead watering should be done in the morning to allow foliage to dry by evening, reducing the risk of disease.

Maintenance

Fertilization: For optimal growth and blooming, fertilize the plant twice per week during the growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to provide essential nutrients. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning: While ‘Temari® Trailing Red’ is self-cleaning, meaning it naturally drops spent blooms, occasional light pruning can help maintain a tidy appearance and encourage even more vigorous flowering. Trim back leggy growth to promote a fuller, more compact plant.

Pest and Disease Management: This hybrid is resistant to powdery mildew, common rust, and verticillium wilt. However, regularly monitor for pests such as aphids or spider mites. If you see pests, treat them with appropriate organic or chemical controls, ensuring the health of the plant.

Temperature and Hardiness: Verbena ‘Temari® Trailing Red’ is winter hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11, where it can be grown as a perennial. In cooler climates, they plant it as an annual. The plant can withstand heat well, making it ideal for summer gardens in warmer regions.

Propagation

Verbena ‘Temari® Trailing Red’ can be propagated through stem cuttings. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Timing: Take cuttings in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
2. Cuttings: Select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) sections just below a leaf node.
3. Preparation: Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development.
4. Planting: Insert the cuttings into a well-draining potting mix, such as a peat/perlite mix. Water the soil lightly.
5. Environment: Place the cuttings in a warm, bright location, but out of direct sunlight. Maintain consistent moisture by misting the cuttings or covering them with a plastic bag to retain humidity.
6. Rooting: Roots should develop within 2 to 4 weeks. Once the cuttings are well-rooted, transplant them into individual pots or directly into the garden.

Uses in the Garden

Verbena ‘Temari® Trailing Red’ is a versatile plant that can be used in various garden settings:

• Ground Cover: Its spreading habit makes it ideal for covering large areas of the garden, adding a splash of color to borders and edges.
• Hanging Baskets and Containers: The trailing nature of this Verbena makes it perfect for hanging baskets and containers, where it can spill gracefully over the sides.
• Pollinator Gardens: The vibrant red flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, making this plant a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

Overall, Verbena ‘Temari® Trailing Red’ is a resilient, low-maintenance plant that provides continuous color throughout the growing season, making it a favorite among gardeners for both aesthetic and functional purposes.