Overview
Verbascum olympicum is a perennial in the genus Verbascum, part of the Scrophulariaceae family. It typically grows around 2 metres tall. Verbascum olympicum grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include pollinator garden and borders. It is native to Greece & Turkey.
About
Verbascum olympicum is a perennial that reaches about 2 metres and flowers from June to September. It comes from Greece and Turkey and belongs to the Scrophulariaceae. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Suited to pollinator gardens and the back of mixed borders.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Verbascum olympicum
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
In the garden
Verbascum olympicum is a 2-metre perennial in the Scrophulariaceae, native to Greece and Turkey. It flowers from June to September and provides a strong vertical element in summer, making it useful where height is needed at the rear of a border or in dedicated pollinator plantings. Site the plant in full sun and a well-drained soil; it prefers moderate soil moisture rather than waterlogged ground. The recognised UK hardiness rating is H4, which translates to average winter hardiness across much of the UK — plant it where typical winter temperatures do not reach the extremes of the coldest garden zones. Allow space for its height when planting so neighbouring perennials are not shaded out. Because it reaches about 2 metres it works well as a vertical accent in mixed borders and in areas focused on supporting pollinators. Expect flowering through the summer months from June to September, during which the stems form the primary seasonal feature of the plant.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Verbascum
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Verbascum olympicum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Height
- 2 metres
- Suggested uses
- pollinator garden, borders
- Native to
- Greece & Turkey
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Verbascum olympicum
- Cultivation
- Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Short-lived perennial.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower spikes to encourage tidiness.
- Propagation
- Seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Verbascum olympicum?
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Short-lived perennial.
Where is the best place to plant Verbascum olympicum?
Verbascum olympicum prefers full sun.
What soil does Verbascum olympicum need?
Verbascum olympicum grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Verbascum olympicum?
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage tidiness.
How big does Verbascum olympicum grow?
Verbascum olympicum reaches a height of 2 metres.
Is Verbascum olympicum hardy in the UK?
Verbascum olympicum has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Verbascum olympicum?
Seed.
More in the Verbascum genus
- Verbascum nigrum subsp. nigrumBlack Mullein
- Verbascum olympicum 'Album'Greek Mullein
- Verbascum 'Cotswold Beauty'Mullein
- Verbascum 'Golden Bush'Mullein
- Verbascum blat. 'Albiflora'Mullein
- Verbascum bomb. 'Polar Summer'Mullein
- Verbascum vernale of gardensMullein