Overview
Verbascum chaixii is a plant with a biennial, short-lived perennial, upright, tall flower spikes habit in the genus Verbascum, part of the Scrophulariaceae family, with green, grey-green, silvery white, softly hairy foliage. Verbascum chaixii grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, gravel gardens and wildlife-friendly plantings.
About
Verbascum chaixii, the nettle-leaved mullein, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Verbascum, native to Spain, France, Italy, the former Yugoslavia, and Greece. It is considered a good plant to attract pollinators.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Verbascum chaixii
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Verbascum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Dry
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Verbascum chaixii size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Biennial, Short-lived perennial, Upright, Tall flower spikes
- Foliage
- Green, Grey-green, Silvery white, Softly hairy
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Gravel gardens, Wildlife-friendly plantings
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Verbascum chaixii
- Propagation
- Seed, Self-seeding, Root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Mullein moth caterpillar, Verbascum weevil
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Verbascum chaixii?
Verbascum chaixii prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Verbascum chaixii need?
Verbascum chaixii is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to dry.
Is Verbascum chaixii hardy in the UK?
Verbascum chaixii has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Verbascum chaixii?
Seed, Self-seeding, Root cuttings.
More in the Verbascum genus
- Verbascum 'Clementine'mullein 'Clementine'
- Verbascum bombyciferum 'Arctic Snow'
- Verbascum olympicum 'Album'Greek Mullein
- Verbascum phoeniceum 'Violetta'purple mullein 'Violetta'
- Verbascum pulverulentumhoary mullein
- Verbascum sinuatum
- Verbascum undulatum
- Verbascum 'Chantilly'