Overview
Verbascum 'Merlin' is a plant with a columnar upright habit in the genus Verbascum, part of the Scrophulariaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Verbascum 'Merlin' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Verbascum 'Merlin' is a cultivar of the genus Verbascum, commonly known as mullein, which belongs to the figwort family Scrophulariaceae. This plant has a columnar upright habit and semi-evergreen foliage, thriving best in full sun on south- or west-facing aspects. It prefers well-drained alkaline soils such as chalk, loam, or sand and is hardy in the UK to H6. Suitable for cottage and informal gardens, gravel gardens, wildlife gardens, and flower borders, it can be propagated by seed or root cuttings.
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, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Verbascum 'Merlin' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Verbascum 'Merlin'
- Propagation
- Seed, Root cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Mullein moth caterpillars, Figwort weevil
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Verbascum 'Merlin'?
Verbascum 'Merlin' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Verbascum 'Merlin' need?
Verbascum 'Merlin' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Verbascum 'Merlin' hardy in the UK?
Verbascum 'Merlin' 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 'Merlin'?
Seed, Root cuttings.
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More in the Verbascum genus
- Verbascum bombyciferumBroussa mullein
- Verbascum nigrum subsp. nigrumBlack Mullein
- Verbascum olympicumOlympian mullein
- Verbascum olympicum 'Album'Greek Mullein
- Verbascum phoeniceumpurple mullein
- Verbascum phoeniceum 'Gainsborough'Mullein
- Verbascum phoeniceum 'Lilac Domino'Mullein
- Verbascum phoeniceum 'Pink Domino'Mullein