Verbascum pulverulentum (hoary mullein) — Clump forming

Overview

Verbascum pulverulentum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Verbascum, part of the Scrophulariaceae family, with deciduous, semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1.5 metres tall. Verbascum pulverulentum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens.

About

Verbascum pulverulentum, the hoary mullein, is a species of flowering plant in the family Scrophulariaceae. It is native to western, central and southern Europe north to England (where its main range is in East Anglia) and southern Wales. It has been introduced to Austria, Madeira, and Washington state in the USA. It is a specialist on coastal shingle, and so is preadapted to human-influenced habitats such as old quarries and gravel pits, road verges, railway embankments, and similar disturbed stony ground. It is a stout biennial or monocarpic perennial herb growing up to 1.5 m tall, producing flowers and seeds only once, during its second or a later year. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Verbascum pulverulentum

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, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Verbascum pulverulentum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous, Semi evergreen
Height: 1.5 metres
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Verbascum pulverulentum

Propagation: Propagate by seed or by root cuttings in winter
Pest resistance: May be susceptible to mullein moth
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Verbascum pulverulentum?

Verbascum pulverulentum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Verbascum pulverulentum need?

Verbascum pulverulentum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

How big does Verbascum pulverulentum grow?

Verbascum pulverulentum reaches a height of 1.5 metres.

Is Verbascum pulverulentum hardy in the UK?

Verbascum pulverulentum has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.