Beach verbena is excellent for pollinator garden
If you are looking to add a showy groundcover to your garden, while also helping to support local pollinator species, look no further than the beautiful beach verbena (Glandularia maritima). The native wildflower is state-listed as endangered and found primarily on Florida’s east coast. Typically, the perennial wildflowers are found in coastal uplands, hammocks and pinelands. Beach verbena prefers full sun and dry, well-draining soils. Once established, they are drought-tolerant, salt spray-tolerant and tolerant of nutrient-poor soil. The wildflower stays low, getting up to 1-foot tall with a 1-2 foot wide spread. As the plant spreads, it will drop roots from its stems, aiding in soil stabilization. Beach verbena flowers year-round, producing gorgeous clusters of bright purple blooms. It is an excellent addition to native pollinator gardens, as butterflies and bees frequent its nectar-rich blooms. Common butterflies attracted to its flowers include Gulf fritillary, long-tailed skippers and mangrove skippers.
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