About
A short-lived perennial, producing large flat, open rosettes of woolly, grey-green leaves with a rusty tinge in spring, architectural even without flowers, and sturdy, erect inflorescences to 70cm. The many yellow flowers with orange anthers open on dense spikes throughout a long season.
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, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toGreece
Care notes
CultivationGrow in alkaline, poor, well-drained soil in full sun; drought-tolerant plant. In fertile soils, it grows large and needs support - see staking perennials
PruningRemove faded flower spikes
PropagationPropagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in late spring to early summer. Propagate by division in early spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to caterpillars and figwort weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews