Re: Verbena 'Homestead'


> Verbena 'Homestead' was one of my favorite plants last year.  I planted one
> plant and it spread to cover a 3' x 3' area in constant bloom.  However, it is
> not reliably hardy in this area and I was advised to mulch it heavily.   I did
> not do so but it survived our miler than usual Zone 6a winter here in the
> Cincinnati area.  But here's what I find interesting about it this year:
> 
> Late November last year I cut off two sections that had rooted and planted
> them elsewhere--no special treatment, just opened a crack in the soil and
> stuck the roots in.  This year I notice that these cuttings have grown like
> mad, already covering nearly the area the one plant did by the end of the
> season last year.  The mother plant, on the other hand, seems to have run out
> of gas.  It is not spreading much and blooming sparsely.
> 
> It seems this is a plant that needs rejuvenation from cuttings.  Has anyone
> else had this experience with V. 'Homestead'?

Bill, I've had the same experience with 'Homestead', despite the fact 
that it was discovered at an old Georgia homestead, I'm in Georgia, 
and we had a very mild winter, too.  It is alleged to be evergreen, 
but then I do have a strange little microclimate, living in a valley 
between three mountains.   Perhaps my microclimate is really 6b.

Kate Lykins
Zone 7a/NW GA

(This fall, I'm taking cuttings of 'Homestead' to winter over and 
will try a heavier mulch on the mother plants.  BTW, have you grown 
'SIssinghurst' -- lots of pizazz. )
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