About
A range of short-lived perennials, with basal rosettes of slightly scalloped dark green leaves to 15cm long. Produce tall spikes of dainty saucer-shaped flowers in shades of white, pinks and purples, in late spring and early summer.
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
Soil pHAlkaline
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife 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 seed, or by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to moth caterpillars and figwort weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews