Overview
Verbascum phoeniceum 'Gainsborough' is a perennial in the genus Verbascum, part of the Scrophulariaceae family. Verbascum phoeniceum 'Gainsborough' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is native to Central Europe, Central Asia and Western China.
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 'Gainsborough' is a perennial member of the Scrophulariaceae, native to Central Europe, Central Asia and Western China. As a perennial it returns year to year and brings a defined summer flowering period; its season in the UK runs from June to September. Choose a site with full sun or partial shade and soil that drains freely. The plant prefers neutral to alkaline soils and does best where soil moisture is moderate rather than waterlogged or bone-dry. Give it a position with good air movement to reduce the risk of surface damp, and avoid heavy clay that holds water for long periods. With an H5 hardiness rating, Verbascum phoeniceum 'Gainsborough' is classed as hardy for most UK gardens; it will tolerate normal winter conditions without special protection. It suits sunny borders or mixed perennial beds where well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil is available, and it can be used towards the back of a border to provide summer interest. Because its flowering runs from June to September, place it where its summer display will be visible and where deadheading or removal of spent stems is straightforward.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Verbascum
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Verbascum phoeniceum 'Gainsborough' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Native to
- Central Europe, Central Asia, Western China
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Verbascum phoeniceum 'Gainsborough'
- Propagation
- seed,cuttings
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Verbascum phoeniceum 'Gainsborough'?
Verbascum phoeniceum 'Gainsborough' prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Verbascum phoeniceum 'Gainsborough' need?
Verbascum phoeniceum 'Gainsborough' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
Is Verbascum phoeniceum 'Gainsborough' hardy in the UK?
Verbascum phoeniceum 'Gainsborough' 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 'Gainsborough'?
Seed,cuttings.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Verbascum genus
- Verbascum bombyciferumBroussa mullein
- Verbascum nigrum subsp. nigrumBlack Mullein
- Verbascum olympicumOlympian mullein
- Verbascum olympicum 'Album'Greek Mullein
- Verbascum phoeniceumpurple mullein
- Verbascum phoeniceum 'Lilac Domino'Mullein
- Verbascum phoeniceum 'Pink Domino'Mullein
- Verbascum phoeniceum 'Rose Bouquet'Mullein