Three Verbena Lascar Black Velvet Planted As Bedding Annuals IB2DW - May 2025

I'm not drawn (normally) to pinks in the garden.  Or reds.  But, blues and purples?  They seem to jump off the nursery table when I see them.  At least, recently.    See the photo at the top of this post?  Little purple flowers on a trailing habit annual?  Yes, please.   

That is Verbena x Lascar 'Black Velvet'.  And, I bought three of them.  What are they?  From this listing on Magic Valley Gardens:

Verbena ‘Lascar™ Black Velvet’ adds rich, velvety drama to your garden with clusters of deep magenta-purple blooms that stand out beautifully against bright green foliage. This early-flowering variety features a mounded to trailing habit, making it perfect for mixed containers, hanging baskets, and sunny borders. With medium vigor and excellent weather tolerance, it delivers consistent color throughout the season. A favorite for gardeners seeking bold color and reliable, low-maintenance performance in summer plantings.

Flowers all season long.  Spreads out and covers some ground.  Handles the heat.  Is low-maintenance.  Love all of that.  

I have some front-of-the-bed space in the original IB2DWs bed that I decided to plant these three.  See below for placement:

Here, below, are the plant tags:

These were in small quart-sized containers:

Being this close to the driveway, I opted to augment the soil with a big scoop of municipal biosolids around each of these.  After planting, I tucked each of these three back in with the mulch that was already laid down.  

Below is a look at these Verbena - spaced about a foot apart.  I'll be watching to see if these fill in the gaps as they grow this Summer.

I've done various annuals as bedding plants over the years and I always say to myself:  do more.