What hardiness zones is Verbena rigida suitable for?

Verbena rigida is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7, 8, 9, 10.

What are the sun requirements for Verbena rigida?

Verbena rigida requires Full Sun.

How much water does Verbena rigida need?

Verbena rigida has Low water needs.

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Perennials

Verbena rigida

Rigid Verbena

Verbenaceae

South America — southern Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitSpreading

FoliageSemi-evergreen

Height12-18 inches (30-45 cm)

Width24-36 inches (60-90 cm)

Maturity1 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10

Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9 Zone 10

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

What's my zone? →

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Verbena rigida is rigid verbena (sandpaper verbena) — a tough, spreading South American perennial growing 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall and 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) wide. The species name 'rigida' means 'stiff', describing the stiff, rough-textured (sandpapery) dark green toothed leaves. Bright purple to violet-purple flowers in dense flat-topped clusters 2 inches (5 cm) across bloom continuously from June through the first frost — a 16+ week bloom season without deadheading. The tuberous root system spreads underground, creating an expanding colony over time. Self-sows in mild climates — can naturalize in zones 8–10. Hardy to zone 7 with mulching; in zones 5–6, treat as an annual or lift tubers. The continuous bloom, heat tolerance, and drought tolerance make this a dependable long-season perennial for hot, dry gardens. Butterflies and hummingbirds visit heavily. Deer avoid the rough foliage.

Native Range

Verbena rigida is native to South America — southern Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.

Suggested Uses

Used in hot dry borders, xeric gardens, mass plantings, slopes, and containers of 3 gallons (11 L) or more. The 16+ week continuous bloom justifies annual treatment in cold zones. Top butterfly and hummingbird plant.

How to Identify

Identified by bright purple flat-topped flower clusters on stiff stems with dark green rough-textured (sandpapery) toothed leaves. The rough leaf texture (sandpaper-like) and the stiff, upright stems are the species traits. Continuous bloom from early summer to frost without deadheading. Spreads by tuberous roots.