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Yellow Sand Verbena

Abronia latifolia

perennial herb View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun

Water

very low

Soil

Fast; Coarse to fine-textured sands; very loose and free of organic debris. Tolerates saline soil..

Size

0–0ft tall , 7–7ft wide

Bloom

Mar-Nov

Foliage

Deciduous

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

Coastal beaches and dunes from Humboldt County to San Luis Obispo County, below 500 ft elevation in sandy coastal habitats.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Yellow Sand Verbena in full sun in fast-draining, sandy soil - the coarser and looser the better, and free of organic matter. It thrives in conditions that mimic coastal dunes, so avoid amended or rich garden soil. Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are mild, spacing plants to allow room for the mat-like spread. This plant tolerates salt spray and saline soils, making it excellent for Bay Area coastal gardens.

After Planting

Water weekly during the first summer to establish, then cut back to once weekly or less once established - this plant is built for very low water and will not tolerate regular watering. After establishment, let it dry out significantly between waterings; extreme drought won't kill it, but consistent moisture will. Expect the plant to die back to its stout fleshy root during stress, then re-sprout when conditions improve. The #1 mistake is overwatering: treat it like a desert plant, not a garden perennial.

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