Verbascum phoeniceum Cotswold varieties (purple mullein) — perennial herbaceous

Overview

Verbascum phoeniceum Cotswold varieties is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Verbascum, part of the Scrophulariaceae family. Verbascum phoeniceum Cotswold varieties 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, cottage gardens and wildflower gardens. It is native to C Europe to W Asia.

About

Verbascum phoeniceum Cotswold varieties is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Scrophulariaceae that produces upright spikes of purple-pink flowers. It favours full sun on well-drained, neutral to alkaline soils and flowers from June to September. Suited to south-facing positions, it tolerates both sheltered and exposed sites and is winter-hardy to H5 in the UK.

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 Cotswold varieties is a perennial herbaceous member of the Scrophulariaceae native to C Europe to W Asia. The plant forms flowering spikes that carry summer colour, making it distinct among cottage-garden perennials. Plant in a sunny, south-facing spot with well-drained soil; neutral to alkaline conditions suit it best. It prefers dry to medium soil moisture and will not thrive in waterlogged ground, so improve drainage where necessary. The exposure range is broad — from sheltered to exposed sites — and the H5 hardiness rating means it is hardy in most UK gardens. Use this mullein in mixed borders, cottage gardens and wildflower areas where vertical flower spikes add structure. Flowers appear from June to September, providing an extended summer display; deadhead spent blooms to tidy the clump and prolong the flowering period. The purple-pink spikes work well with late-spring and summer perennials in sunny beds and naturalistic plantings.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Verbascum

Sunlight: full sun
Soil type: well-drained
Soil pH: neutral, alkaline
Soil moisture: dry to medium
Aspect: south-facing
Exposure: sheltered to exposed
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Verbascum phoeniceum Cotswold varieties size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial herbaceous
Suggested uses: borders, cottage gardens, wildflower gardens
Native to: C Europe to W Asia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Verbascum phoeniceum Cotswold varieties

Cultivation: Grow in 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 Cotswold varieties?

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

Where is the best place to plant Verbascum phoeniceum Cotswold varieties?

Verbascum phoeniceum Cotswold varieties prefers full sun. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.

What soil does Verbascum phoeniceum Cotswold varieties need?

Verbascum phoeniceum Cotswold varieties grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.

How do I prune Verbascum phoeniceum Cotswold varieties?

Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.

Is Verbascum phoeniceum Cotswold varieties hardy in the UK?

Verbascum phoeniceum Cotswold varieties 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 Cotswold varieties?

Seed, basal cuttings.

More in the Verbascum genus

Browse all Verbascum →