About
A biennial or short-lived perennial producing a semi-evergreen rosette of pale, grey-green leaves. The narrow, unbranched flower spikes reach 1.2m and carry butter-yellow flowers with purple eyes.
About the genus
Verbascum can be annuals, biennials, perennials or subshrubs mostly with hairy leaves and 5-petalled, saucer-shaped flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in alkaline, poor, well-drained soil in full sun. Mulch around the base overwinter, without covering the crown
PruningRemove faded flower spikes
PropagationPropagate by root cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to caterpillars and figwort weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews