Overview
Verbascum 'Clementine' is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Verbascum, part of the Scrophulariaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Verbascum 'Clementine' grows best in full sun, and tolerates chalk and loam soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include borders, gravel gardens and wildlife-friendly plantings.
About
Verbascum 'Clementine' is a herbaceous perennial cultivar of the Verbascum genus, known for its columnar upright habit. This deciduous mullein grows to a height of 1 to 1.5 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. It thrives in full sun and is suitable for south-, west-, or east-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. Preferring well-drained chalk or loam soils with neutral to alkaline pH, 'Clementine' is drought resistant and provides summer interest in the garden.
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, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Verbascum 'Clementine' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Gravel gardens, Wildlife-friendly plantings
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Verbascum 'Clementine'
- Cultivation
- Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates drought once established. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Suitable for chalk or loam soils with neutral to alkaline pH.
- Pruning
- Cut back old flower spikes after blooming to encourage fresh growth and maintain appearance.
- Propagation
- Seed, Root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Mullein moth caterpillar
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Verbascum 'Clementine'?
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates drought once established. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Suitable for chalk or loam soils with neutral to alkaline pH.
Where is the best place to plant Verbascum 'Clementine'?
Verbascum 'Clementine' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Verbascum 'Clementine' need?
Verbascum 'Clementine' grows best in chalk and loam soil. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Verbascum 'Clementine'?
Cut back old flower spikes after blooming to encourage fresh growth and maintain appearance.
How big does Verbascum 'Clementine' grow?
Verbascum 'Clementine' reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Verbascum 'Clementine' hardy in the UK?
Verbascum 'Clementine' 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 'Clementine'?
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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