Overview
Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer' is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Verbascum, part of the Scrophulariaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is attractive to pollinators and drought resistant. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden and wildlife gardens.
About
Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer' is an evergreen biennial or a short-lived perennial that features a basal rosette reaching up to 60 cm in diameter. It produces a tall, sparsely branched flowering spike that can grow as high as 2 meters, all adorned with silvery-white hairs. During the summer, it showcases saucer-shaped flowers in a lemon-yellow hue.
About the genus
Verbascum comprises annuals, biennials, perennials, and subshrubs, typically characterized by their hairy foliage and five-petaled, cup-shaped blooms.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Verbascum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer'
- Cultivation
- Grow in alkaline, poor, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Plants grown in fertile soil may need support, see staking perennials
- Pruning
- Remove faded flower spikes
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, or by division in spring or take root cuttings in winter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to caterpillars, including mullein moth, and to figwort weevils
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer'?
Grow in alkaline, poor, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Plants grown in fertile soil may need support, see staking perennials.
Where is the best place to plant Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer'?
Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer' need?
Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer'?
Remove faded flower spikes.
How big does Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer' grow?
Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer' reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer' hardy in the UK?
Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer' has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer'?
Propagate by seed, or by division in spring or take root cuttings in winter.
Is Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer' good for pollinators?
Yes — Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer' attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.