Overview
Verbascum phoeniceum 'Flush of White' is a columnar upright perennial in the genus Verbascum, part of the Scrophulariaceae family, with semi evergreen, evergreen foliage. Verbascum phoeniceum 'Flush of White' 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 Central Europe, Central Asia and Western China.
About
Verbascum phoeniceum, known as purple mullein, is a species of mullein that is part of the family Scrophulariaceae native to Central Europe, Central Asia and Western China. It is also naturalized in certain regions of the US and Canada.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Verbascum
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Verbascum phoeniceum 'Flush of White' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen, Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- borders, cottage gardens
- Native to
- Central Europe, Central Asia, Western China
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Verbascum phoeniceum 'Flush of White'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- seed, basal cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Mullein moth caterpillars, Figwort weevil
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Verbascum phoeniceum 'Flush of White'?
Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Verbascum phoeniceum 'Flush of White'?
Verbascum phoeniceum 'Flush of White' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Verbascum phoeniceum 'Flush of White' need?
Verbascum phoeniceum 'Flush of White' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Verbascum phoeniceum 'Flush of White'?
Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
Is Verbascum phoeniceum 'Flush of White' hardy in the UK?
Verbascum phoeniceum 'Flush of White' 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 'Flush of White'?
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