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Sandpaper Verbena

Verbena rigida

true

1 gallon

Sandpaper Verbena

In stock

1.5'x3'

Sizes:

Sandpaper Verbena — Verbena rigida

Also known as: Slender Vervain, Tuberous Vervain

Sandpaper Verbena is a low-growing, spreading perennial known for its clusters of brilliant purple to violet flowers and coarse, sandpaper-like leaves. Native to South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina, it has naturalized in parts of the southern United States. It is widely grown in desert gardens for its drought tolerance, extended bloom time, and high wildlife value. While not native to the Colorado Desert, it performs well in the Coachella Valley under cultivated conditions when placed in full sun and well-drained soil with occasional summer irrigation.

This fast-spreading plant typically grows 12–18 inches tall and spreads 2 to 3 feet wide via underground tuberous roots, forming a dense, weed-suppressing mat ideal for borders, slopes, and pollinator gardens. The stiff, serrated leaves form a rough-textured backdrop for the profusion of flowers, which can bloom from spring through fall in the low desert, often peaking in spring and again in late summer with monsoonal moisture. If the plant begins to look ragged, simply cut the foliage back to the ground—fresh growth will quickly sprout from the underground stems. Though deciduous in colder zones, Sandpaper Verbena may stay evergreen during warm winters. Deadheading and occasional shearing encourage a fuller shape and prolonged bloom. It is typically rabbit-resistant, though young shoots may be browsed in drought years.

Host Plant: No confirmed specialist Lepidoptera associations; may support generalist caterpillars.

Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Queen (Danaus gilippus); Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui); White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata); native skippers (family Hesperiidae); honey bees (Apis mellifera); numerous native bees including sweat bees (Halictidae)

Bird Resources: Nectar; Insect prey; Cover

Bird Species: Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps); Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata); House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

Bees: Attracts a wide diversity of native bees including longhorn bees (Melissodes spp.), sweat bees (Halictidae), and leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.)

Additional Notes: A strong performer in pollinator gardens across USDA Zones 7–11. Recognized in 100 Plants to Feed the Bees by the Xerces Society. May spread aggressively with regular irrigation, but can be managed easily with occasional thinning. Pairs well with other low-growing nectar plants like Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata) and Globe Mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua).

Plant Care

Native region:

Desert Adapted

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

1.5'x3'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Purple

Flower season:

Spring; Summer; Fall

Pruning:

If the plant begins to look ragged, simply cut the foliage back to the ground—fresh growth will quickly sprout from the underground stems.

Cold Hardiness:

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:

Yes

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.