Overview
Verbascum 'Helen Johnson Variegated' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Verbascum, part of the Scrophulariaceae family, with deciduous, semi evergreen foliage. Verbascum 'Helen Johnson Variegated' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens.
About
Verbascum 'Helen Johnson Variegated' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial cultivar within the Verbascum genus, known for its hairy foliage and five-petaled, cup-shaped flowers. This semi-evergreen plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suited to east, south, or west-facing aspects. It prefers well-drained, fertile soils such as chalk, loam, or sand with neutral to alkaline pH. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is ideal for cottage and informal gardens, wildflower meadows, and wildlife gardens, offering interest throughout summer and autumn. Propagation is by seed or root cuttings taken in winter.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Verbascum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Verbascum 'Helen Johnson Variegated' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Verbascum 'Helen Johnson Variegated'
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by root cuttings in winter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to mullein moth
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Verbascum 'Helen Johnson Variegated'?
Verbascum 'Helen Johnson Variegated' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Verbascum 'Helen Johnson Variegated' need?
Verbascum 'Helen Johnson Variegated' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Verbascum 'Helen Johnson Variegated' hardy in the UK?
Verbascum 'Helen Johnson Variegated' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Verbascum 'Helen Johnson Variegated'?
Propagate by seed or by root cuttings in winter.
More in the Verbascum genus
- Verbascum 'Clementine'mullein 'Clementine'
- Verbascum bombyciferum 'Arctic Snow'
- Verbascum chaixii
- Verbascum olympicum 'Album'Greek Mullein
- Verbascum phoeniceum 'Violetta'purple mullein 'Violetta'
- Verbascum pulverulentumhoary mullein
- Verbascum sinuatum
- Verbascum undulatum
