Verbena lilacina ‘De La Mina’ (Purple Cedros Island Verbena)

Nearly indestructible evergreen shrublet that blooms her heart out with fragrant deep purple flowers over ferny foliage. This exciting native was discovered by the horticulture director of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Carol Bornstein, in Canyon de la Mina on Cedros Island, an island off the California coast. Baja California islands have a Mediterranean climate, meaning verbena De La Mina will survive and flourish in the summer-dry climate in California and the Pacific NW. Blooms most of the year in mild climates with extra bloomy flushes in spring and again in summer. Compared to other selections she boasts a darker flower color, more compact well branched habit and an attractive rounded form. Exceptional choice toward the front of a dry border or in containers. While exceptionally drought tolerant, she performs best with an occasional drink during hot summer months. Happiest in full sun. Stunning selection of a drought tolerant native perfect for cottage gardens, rock gardens, natural gardens and containers. The nectar rich flowers provide sustenance spring-frost for pollinators. For a xeric garden try pairing with Euphorbia’ Silver Swan’, sedum ‘Class Act’ and a sterile variety of Buddleia like ‘Cascade Purple’ or ‘Miss Molly’. For a riot of color in a drought tolerant cottage garden try combining with drought tolerant landscape roses like Mediland Roses, and for contrast Moonshine Yarrow and ‘Going Bananas’ daylilly. Ht 1-2’x width 3-4’ Hardy to 20- 25 F