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Desert Sand Verbena

Abronia villosa

In stock

1 gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

Water needs:

Very Low

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Full Sun

6"x20"

Fast

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

Purple

Winter-Spring

None

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Yes

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Rabbit resistant:

A local annual wildflower, Desert sand-verbena appears as a mat following winter rains, growing 20 inches across and 3-6 inches high with sticky silver-gray foliage and rounded clusters of purple flowers. They usually grow between February and May but as we saw after Hilary they started growing in September and continued until the weather got hot in summer proving it can bloom any time of year if the conditions are right. Its aromatic purple flowers attract butterflies and bees. Native habitat is loose sand so this plant requires well draining soil.

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.