1. Red Sand Verbena – Abronia maritima
(a-BRONE-ee-uh mare-i-TEEM-uh)
Family: Nyctagenaceae (Four o’ Clock family)
Native to: Coastal California on seashore sands and dunes; Baja CA; west coast
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial
mature height: 6-12 inch mature width: 2-3 ft
Low-growing, somewhat succulent plants which form spreading mats. Leaves and stems may be
sticky-hairy. Root is a thick, deep taproot. Plants lose their leaves under drought stress.
Blooms/fruits: blooms Feb.- Oct. Abronia maritima (Red Sand Verbena) has dark red-purple flowers
in showy clusters – rather like a bouquet. Flowers small (< ½ inch) but showy.
Uses in the garden: as a bank cover, ground cover, for erosion control or in a rock garden. Sweet
scented with attractive flowers, so consider for fronts of beds and borders. Excellent choice for
sandy soils and along the immediate coast. Would likely do well – and look nice - in containers.
Sensible substitute for: non-native Verbenas, other low groundcovers.
Attracts: Sphinx moth (larval food) and insect pollinators. In nature, small animals such as legless
lizards live under it's broad mat.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun on coast
Does best in sandy, well-drained soil; alkali pH is fine
Average needs; monthly in dry periods once established to keep green
None needed
Does fine in maritime conditions (salt spray); Does not tolerate extreme winds or
weeds.
Management: May be difficult to establish. Once established no special requirements. Susceptible
to snails and slugs. Not long-lived.
Propagation: from seed: remove seed from capsule with scissors. Seed pre-treatment requires
soaking, abrading and +/- cold treatment (ask for propagation protocol).
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 24
11/24/10
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