Glandularia pulchella: South American Mock Vervain – Moss Verbena for Hot, Dry Sites

Glandularia pulchella – South American Mock Vervain, Moss Verbena

Glandularia pulchella (syn. Verbena pulchella, V. tenuisecta), known as Moss Verbena or South American Mock Vervain, is a low, spreading perennial with finely divided, fern-like, gray-green foliage that forms a soft mat. From spring to frost, it bears clusters of small, tubular, purple-pink to lavender flowers. It blooms prolifically in heat.

Moss Verbena thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is exceptionally drought- and heat-tolerant, making it a star for xeriscapes, rock gardens, and hot slopes. It spreads moderately, rooting at stem nodes. In colder zones (below 7), it is often grown as a self-sowing annual. The fine texture and continuous bloom make it a valuable filler and ground cover for the toughest sunny sites.

Plant Profile