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Moss Verbena

Glandularia pulchella

true

1 Gallon

Moss Verbena

In stock

1'x3'

Sizes:

Moss Verbena — Glandularia pulchella

Also known as: South American Verbena, Desert Verbena (non-native)

Moss Verbena is a low, spreading perennial groundcover known for its nearly nonstop blooms, fine-textured foliage, and ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions. Though native to South America, it’s widely used in Southwestern gardens for its drought tolerance, long bloom season, and high pollinator value.

This plant typically grows 6 to 12 inches tall and spreads up to 3 feet wide, forming a soft, mounding mat. The leaves are finely divided and fern-like, giving the plant a delicate look that contrasts nicely with bolder desert species. From early spring through fall, Moss Verbena is covered in clusters of lavender to deep purple flowers, with occasional pink or magenta variants depending on the cultivar. These nectar-rich blooms attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making it a solid choice for habitat gardens—even though it’s not native.

Moss Verbena prefers full sun and well-draining soils and can handle reflected heat, poor soil, and dry conditions once established. It can be used to soften the edges of walkways, spill over raised beds, or fill in open spaces in waterwise gardens. It may thin out in cold winters or during extreme drought, but it often rebounds quickly with a bit of water.

Because it spreads by seed and creeping stems, Moss Verbena can naturalize over time, especially in disturbed areas. While it isn’t invasive in most managed garden settings, it’s best planted with intention and maintained to avoid crowding out native species.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui); White Checkered-Skipper (Burnsius albescens); native bees
Bird Resources: Insects
Bird Species: Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria); Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata)

Plant Care

Native region:

Desert Adapted

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

1'x3'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Purple

Flower season:

Spring; Summer; Fall

Pruning:

Cold Hardiness:

15 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.