Verbascum blat. 'Albiflora' (Mullein) — perennial

Overview

Verbascum blat. 'Albiflora' is a perennial in the genus Verbascum, part of the Scrophulariaceae family. Verbascum blat. 'Albiflora' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and cottage gardens.

About

Verbascum blat. 'Albiflora' is a mullein in the figwort family that produces an upright flowering spike arising from a basal rosette. It follows the genus habit of forming a dense rosette before sending up tall stems of five-petalled blooms that open from June to September. Leaves are spirally arranged and often densely hairy. The plant keeps a narrow, architectural presence and tolerates drier, free-draining soils.

About the genus

Verbascum is a genus of over 450 species of flowering plants, common name mullein, in the figwort family Scrophulariaceae. They are native to Europe and Asia, with the highest species diversity in the Mediterranean.

Wikipedia contributors, "Verbascum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Verbascum

In the garden

Verbascum blat. 'Albiflora' belongs to the Verbascum group in the Scrophulariaceae and shares the genus’ Eurasian origins, with the highest species diversity around the Mediterranean. Plants typically form a ground-level rosette and then put up a single or a few tall flowering stems, a habit that can reach roughly 0.5–3.0 m depending on the plant. Expect a sequence of five-petalled flowers opening from June to September. The rosette-to-spike lifecycle means many types behave as biennials or as short-lived perennials, with the rosette year often followed by flowering the next season. It performs well in free-draining, not overly fertile soils and will tolerate relatively dry conditions better than many broad-leaved perennials. Place it where the vertical spike can be shown off: at the back of a mixed border, along gravel paths or in a dry meadow-style bed. The fruit are small capsules that contain numerous minute seeds; allowing a few stems to go to seed will produce volunteers and is an effective way to maintain plants in the garden without repeated sowing.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Verbascum

Sunlight: full sun
Soil type: well-drained, sandy or loamy
Soil pH: neutral, alkaline
Soil moisture: dry to medium
Aspect: south-facing
Exposure: sheltered to exposed
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Verbascum blat. 'Albiflora' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Verbascum blat. 'Albiflora'

Cultivation: Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage further blooming.
Pruning: Cut back flower spikes after blooming to maintain appearance and encourage new growth.
Propagation: seed, basal cuttings

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Verbascum blat. 'Albiflora'?

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage further blooming.

Where is the best place to plant Verbascum blat. 'Albiflora'?

Verbascum blat. 'Albiflora' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.

What soil does Verbascum blat. 'Albiflora' need?

Verbascum blat. 'Albiflora' grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.

How do I prune Verbascum blat. 'Albiflora'?

Cut back flower spikes after blooming to maintain appearance and encourage new growth.

Is Verbascum blat. 'Albiflora' hardy in the UK?

Verbascum blat. 'Albiflora' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Verbascum blat. 'Albiflora'?

Seed, basal cuttings.

More in the Verbascum genus

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