Overview
Verbascum phoeniceum 'Lilac Domino' is a perennial in the genus Verbascum, part of the Scrophulariaceae family. Verbascum phoeniceum 'Lilac Domino' 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
Verbascum phoeniceum 'Lilac Domino' is a perennial mullein that produces purple-pink flower spikes from June to September. It favours full sun or partial shade in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil with moderate moisture. Hardy to H5, it tolerates typical UK winter conditions. The flowers appear on upright spikes, giving summer vertical interest in the border.
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 'Lilac Domino' is a perennial in the Scrophulariaceae family native to Central Europe, Central Asia and Western China. The variety is grown for upright spikes of purple-pink flowers that open from June to September, bringing prolonged summer colour where a tall, flowering element is required. Siting and soil are important: choose a position in full sun or partial shade with free-draining soil and a neutral to alkaline pH. Keep soil moisture moderate—avoid waterlogged ground—and allow a dry period between waterings once established. The plant is rated H5 for UK hardiness, so it will withstand most winter conditions when planted outdoors in a suitable spot. Plant into sunny borders, gravel or mediterranean-style beds where the upright spikes can be seen above lower neighbours. Cut back spent flower stems if you prefer a tidier appearance; leaving some stems can allow for natural self-seeding where appropriate. Expect consistent flowering through the summer months, making the spikes a reliable vertical accent from June to September.
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 'Lilac Domino' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Native to
- Central Europe, Central Asia, Western China
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Verbascum phoeniceum 'Lilac Domino'
- Propagation
- seed,cuttings
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Verbascum phoeniceum 'Lilac Domino'?
Verbascum phoeniceum 'Lilac Domino' prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Verbascum phoeniceum 'Lilac Domino' need?
Verbascum phoeniceum 'Lilac Domino' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
Is Verbascum phoeniceum 'Lilac Domino' hardy in the UK?
Verbascum phoeniceum 'Lilac Domino' 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 'Lilac Domino'?
Seed,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