Overview
Verbascum phoeniceum is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Verbascum, part of the Scrophulariaceae family. Verbascum phoeniceum grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and cottage gardens. It is native to C Europe to W Asia.
About
Verbascum phoeniceum is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Scrophulariaceae that produces purple-pink flowers from June to September. Native to central Europe and western Asia, it suits sunny positions on well-drained soil. It favours a neutral to alkaline pH and requires only moderate moisture, surviving typical UK winters as hardy (H5).
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Verbascum phoeniceum
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 phoeniceum is a herbaceous perennial in the figwort family, native to central Europe and western Asia. Its purple-pink flowers appear through the summer months, from June to September, and provide extended colour across the season. Plant in a sunny position on well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline pH; avoid sites that remain waterlogged. The species prefers a moderate supply of moisture rather than constantly wet conditions and is classed H5 — hardy — so it will withstand ordinary UK winters when not set in heavy, poorly drained ground. It is well suited to mixed borders and traditional cottage gardens where summer flowering is required; plant where the soil drains freely and where full sun is reliable. Use it alongside other sun-loving perennials in border sequences to carry colour through June to September with its purple-pink blooms.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Verbascum
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Verbascum phoeniceum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herbaceous
- Suggested uses
- borders, cottage gardens
- Native to
- C Europe to W Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Verbascum phoeniceum
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- seed, basal cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Verbascum phoeniceum?
Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Verbascum phoeniceum?
Verbascum phoeniceum prefers full sun.
What soil does Verbascum phoeniceum need?
Verbascum phoeniceum grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Verbascum phoeniceum?
Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
Is Verbascum phoeniceum hardy in the UK?
Verbascum phoeniceum 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 phoeniceum?
Seed, basal cuttings.
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