Verbascum olympicum 'Album' (Greek Mullein) — perennial

Overview

Verbascum olympicum 'Album' is a perennial in the genus Verbascum, part of the Scrophulariaceae family. Verbascum olympicum 'Album' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and cottage gardens. It is native to Turkey.

About

Verbascum olympicum 'Album' is a named selection in the genus Verbascum, belonging to the Scrophulariaceae. It is grown for its summer flowering display. In the UK it flowers from June to September. Gardeners use the plant where a tall, flowering presence is required in the border.

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 'Album' is a cultivated form of the genus Verbascum within the Scrophulariaceae. As a named selection, it is identified by its cultivar epithet and is treated as a distinct garden plant by growers and suppliers. In the UK the flowering period runs from June to September, the months when the plant provides its main seasonal interest. When assessing plants for the garden, check the label and nursery information to confirm provenance and any site preferences provided by the supplier. Allow for a mature specimen’s space in the bed when placing it among other summer-flowering perennials or structural garden plants so it can contribute to layered planting without crowding nearby subjects. Plants of this name are often used to create vertical emphasis and to bridge early and late summer displays because of their long flowering window. If you wish to sequence blooms through the season, consider the cultivar’s June to September run when planning adjacent planting so that flowering phases complement rather than compete. Expect Verbascum olympicum 'Album' to reach peak presence in the garden during June to September.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Verbascum

Sunlight: full sun
Soil type: well-drained
Soil moisture: moderate
Exposure: sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Verbascum olympicum 'Album' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, cottage gardens
Native to: Turkey

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Verbascum olympicum 'Album'

Cultivation: Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Propagation: Seed, basal cuttings

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Verbascum olympicum 'Album'?

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Verbascum olympicum 'Album'?

Verbascum olympicum 'Album' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Verbascum olympicum 'Album' need?

Verbascum olympicum 'Album' grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.

How do I prune Verbascum olympicum 'Album'?

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

Is Verbascum olympicum 'Album' hardy in the UK?

Verbascum olympicum 'Album' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Verbascum olympicum 'Album'?

Seed, basal cuttings.

More in the Verbascum genus

Browse all Verbascum →