Verbena peruviana Firehouse Peppermint (Red Star)

The 'Firehouse' Peppermint Verbena, also known as Verbena peruviana 'Red Star, ' is an annual verbena with remarkable, bicoloured flower clusters, regularly striped with red and white. It blooms continuously for four months on a compact, semi-trailing growth habit. This perennial, grown annually, brings life to hanging baskets and containers most beautifully as long as it is placed in full sun. Generous and undemanding, it tolerates occasional neglect in watering.

The 'Firehouse' Peppermint Verbena is a plant from the Verbenaceae family. It originates from Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay but not from Peru. This variety forms a slightly trailing clump that reaches a height of 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10in), spreading about 50 cm (20in) wide. It tirelessly produces dense, round clusters of flowers, 3-5 cm (1-2in) wide, from May-June to September-October, on flexible, upright stems. The flowers are large (1.5 cm (1in)) with alternating vermillion red and cream-white ray florets. The leaves are triangular, with dentate edges, measuring 3-4 cm (1-2in) in length, and dark green. This perennial plant is susceptible to frost and is grown annually in our climate, thanks to its rapid growth.

The 'Firehouse' Peppermint Verbena will be greatly appreciated for its vibrant colours, ease of cultivation, and long summer flowering period. Versatile, verbena plants can be used in borders, flower beds, or containers grown annually. Easily combine them in flower beds or containers with Diascias and Ornamental Tobacco. They thrive in sunny locations with rich, well-drained soil. Be careful not to apply too much nitrogen-based fertilizer in containers, as it can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Note: Please be aware that our plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, report and store them in a sheltered place (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before planting them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.