About
A rosette-forming, short-lived, semi-evergreen perennial to 1m with hairy, crinkled, greyish-green foliage. Substantial spires of saucer-shaped, terracotta flowers open from purple buds from early summer through to autumn.
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 pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, City and courtyard gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in alkaline, poor, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Plants grown in fertile soil may need support, see staking perennials
PruningRemove faded flower spikes
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or take root cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to caterpillars, including mullein moth, and to figwort weevils
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Powdery mildews