Something about these small verbenas intrigues me. Is it because of their short stature? their intense colors, or simply because I like collecting unusual plants? It's probably because I've become semi-obsessed with verbenas and want to have one of each kind. Yes, I have a pattern of fixating on certain genera/ species.
Verbena catharinae 'Lavender Frappe' is a flat, around 1 inches tall, South American verbena. I got my start from Plant Delights.
This plant likes growing outward very quickly. A few years ago I gave it to my cousin who planted it in a newly created bed. The first year it was beautiful and expanded to around 2 ft across, but by the
second year the core of the original plant died, but the periphery stayed healthy and kept expanding.
Because of this predisposition, I suppose 'Lavender Frappe' is one of those plants that will peter out over time if not divided and moved to fresh areas of the garden. This tendency is much in the same vein as monarda (bee balm) and other verbenas. This verbena comes into peak flower around the end of April (at least here in Ga).
A similar plant in habit, though less "dwarf" is the red Peruvian Verbena or Verbena peruviana. This intensely red-blooming plant also travels but seems slightly more tenacious or able to compete with others. However, it also benefits from periodic division and relocation. According to PDN, it grows to a height of 2 inches. In my garden, it starts flowering in late April and can continue throughout the summer often having a second "peak" in September.
These miniatures look best either cascading off containers, in rock gardens, or at the edges of flower beds. Because of their short stature, they can easily be overwhelmed and shaded out by taller plants. Both grow best in the hot blazing sun and well-drained soils. And as I mentioned above, they will probably disappear in your garden unless you take cuttings or routinely divide and move them. Both can be purchased at Plant Delights Nursery.