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 H5. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden and city and courtyard gardens.

About

Verbascum 'Clementine' is a robust perennial that can reach heights of 1.5 meters. It features broad green leaves that form a low rosette at its base. In summer, it produces spikes adorned with pale orange flowers that showcase purple centers, borne on well-branched stems.

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
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

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
Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, City and courtyard gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Verbascum 'Clementine'

Cultivation
Grows best in alkaline, poor, well-drained soil in full sun; drought-tolerant plant. In fertile soils, it grows large and needs support
Pruning
Remove faded flower spikes
Propagation
Propagate by root cuttings in winter
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to caterpillars and figwort weevil
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Verbascum 'Clementine'?

Grows best in alkaline, poor, well-drained soil in full sun; drought-tolerant plant. In fertile soils, it grows large and needs support.

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'?

Remove faded flower spikes.

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 a UK hardiness rating of H5.

How do I propagate Verbascum 'Clementine'?

Propagate by root cuttings in winter.