Velox: The Verbena-Phlox Hybrid Revolutionizing Garden Beds

European horticultural innovators GGG (Unternehmensgruppe Grünewald) have introduced a groundbreaking interspecific hybrid: Velox, a cross between annual verbena and creeping phlox. This remarkable plant combines the best traits of both parents and is poised to become a staple in gardens across diverse climates.

The Science Behind Velox

Interspecific hybrids result from crossing species within the same genus. These crosses rarely survive in nature due to sterility caused by differing chromosome numbers. However, human intervention allows vegetative propagation through rooted cuttings or tissue culture, making these unique plants available to gardeners.

The name "Velox" follows the portmanteau convention: verbena (pollen donor) + phlox = velox.

Outstanding Garden Performance

Velox delivers exceptional vigor with flowers of greater substance than either parent. Key attributes include:

• High mildew resistance
• Drought and heat tolerance once established
• Continuous bloom from spring through frost
• Annual life cycle inherited from verbena

Industry Recognition

Despite its recent market entry, Velox has already earned significant acclaim. Nursery Management named it a top-10 plant with broad landscape potential nationwide. Better Homes and Gardens highlighted it as a standout at a major plant exhibition.

Velox at a Glance

Foliage Color	Green
Exposure	Full sun to part sun
Habit	Mounding/Mat forming
Soil Type	Any fertile soil
Moisture	Moist to dry
Height/Spread	6″–12″ high / 12″–16″ wide
Uses	Flower beds, Containers, Baskets
Flowering	Spring through fall / Pink, Soft pink
Propagation	Via cuttings

Photos provided courtesy of Penn State University.

Taxonomic Note

Some readers have noted that since Verbena and Phlox belong to different families (though the same order, Polemoniales), this cross might be more accurately termed intergeneric or interfamilial. However, both the originator (GGG) and Penn State's trial documentation refer to Velox as an interspecific hybrid.

I've already selected a trial spot for Velox in my garden next season and look forward to testing its performance in hot, humid, and occasionally dry summer conditions. Why not try a plant or two yourself? I'd love to hear about your results.