About

This semi-evergreen perennial typically reaches a height of 1.2 meters and has a short lifespan. It features a basal rosette of large, broadly ovate leaves that are dark green in color. The plant produces upright flower spikes bearing light buff blooms, each measuring 3 to 4 centimeters in diameter, accented by purple stamens.

About the genus

Verbascum comprises annuals, biennials, perennials, and subshrubs, typically characterized by their hairy foliage and five-petaled, cup-shaped blooms.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Height
1-1.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
1-2 years
Suggested uses
Coastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Cultivation
Prefers a poor, well-drained alkaline soil in full sun. If grown in a more fertile soil the plants become larger and will need support
Pruning
Cut back old stems to the base after flowering
Propagation
Divide mature plants in the spring or take root cuttings in winter
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to Figwort Weevil and some moth caterpillars
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to powdery mildews