Overview
Verbascum chaixii 'Album' is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Verbascum, part of the Scrophulariaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Verbascum chaixii 'Album' grows best in full sun, and tolerates chalk and loam soils and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include borders, gravel gardens and wildlife-friendly plantings.
About
Verbascum chaixii 'Album' is a herbaceous perennial cultivar of the Verbascum genus, known for its columnar upright habit and semi-evergreen foliage. It typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full height within 2 to 5 years. This white nettle-leaved mullein thrives in full sun on south-facing, exposed sites with well-drained alkaline soils such as chalk or loam. It is drought resistant and offers interest during the summer season.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Verbascum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam
- Soil pH
- Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Verbascum chaixii 'Album' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Gravel gardens, Wildlife-friendly plantings
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Verbascum chaixii 'Album'
- Propagation
- Seed, Root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Mullein moth caterpillar
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Verbascum chaixii 'Album'?
Verbascum chaixii 'Album' prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Verbascum chaixii 'Album' need?
Verbascum chaixii 'Album' grows best in chalk and loam soil. It prefers alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Verbascum chaixii 'Album' grow?
Verbascum chaixii 'Album' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Verbascum chaixii 'Album' hardy in the UK?
Verbascum chaixii 'Album' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Verbascum chaixii 'Album'?
Seed, Root cuttings.
More in the Verbascum genus
- Verbascum nigrum subsp. nigrumBlack Mullein

- Verbascum olympicum 'Album'Greek Mullein

- Verbascum 'Cotswold Beauty'Mullein
- Verbascum 'Golden Bush'Mullein
- Verbascum blat. 'Albiflora'Mullein
- Verbascum bomb. 'Polar Summer'Mullein
- Verbascum vernale of gardensMullein
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