Overview
Verbascum pulverulentum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Verbascum, part of the Scrophulariaceae family, with deciduous, semi evergreen foliage. 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
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
- 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.
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.
How do I propagate Verbascum pulverulentum?
Propagate by seed or by root cuttings in winter.
More in the Verbascum genus
- Verbascum 'Clementine'mullein 'Clementine'
- Verbascum bombyciferum 'Arctic Snow'
- Verbascum chaixii
- Verbascum olympicum 'Album'Greek Mullein
- Verbascum phoeniceum 'Violetta'purple mullein 'Violetta'
- Verbascum sinuatum
- Verbascum undulatum
- Verbascum 'Chantilly'