All-America Selections (AAS) Flower Winner 2024; Fleuroselect Approved Novelty 2024
Typically grown as an annual, Verbena 'Sweetheart Kisses' is a tender perennial (Zones 8-10) that grows to approximately 10 to 16 inches tall and blooms all season long, from late spring to late autumn, possibly to first frost. Extremely long and heavy blooming, 'Sweetheart Kisses' sets clusters of bold-colored blooms in lipstick shades of red and rose with a sprinkling of pink and white. Borne in terminal clusters (umbels) of tiny compound flowers, the bloom-packed heads attract bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
A Verbena tenuisecta (syn. V. aristigera) cultivar, commonly called verbena or moss verbena, 'Sweetheart Kisses' has a uniform low-growing, mounding habit that forms a dense mat of finely cut, fern-like leaves, giving it a delicate, airy appearance. Moss verbena is a cottage garden favorite and an absolute must-have in a pollinator garden. Moss verbena looks its best when mass planted in beds and borders, but it's highly versatile in the garden. It's excellent as low maintenance edging or ground cover and perfect for patio pots and hanging baskets.
An easy-grow, easy-care plant, 'Sweetheart Kisses' moss verbena thrives in sun-drenched spots, but tolerates some light shade, and grows best in moderate to dry, well-draining soil. Moss verbena is widely naturalized throughout the southern United States, so it's heat and drought tolerant. Although prolonged dry periods may reduce bloom and growth rate, its preference for soils on the dry side makes it a good choice for rock gardens and xeriscapes.
