Overview
Verbascum undulatum is a columnar upright, bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Verbascum, part of the Scrophulariaceae family, with evergreen, semi-evergreen, deciduous foliage. Verbascum undulatum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include gravel garden, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Verbascum undulatum is a herbaceous perennial cultivar of the Verbascum genus, known for its columnar upright and bushy habit. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained, alkaline soils such as chalk, loam, or sand. It is hardy to UK zone H6 and suits a variety of garden settings including gravel gardens, cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, and flower borders. Its season of interest spans summer and autumn, making it a valuable addition for extended seasonal appeal.
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
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Verbascum undulatum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Semi-evergreen, Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Verbascum undulatum
- Propagation
- Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or early summer, Root cuttings in winter, Divide mature plants in spring
- Pest resistance
- Mullein moth caterpillars, Figwort weevil
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Verbascum undulatum?
Verbascum undulatum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Verbascum undulatum need?
Verbascum undulatum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Verbascum undulatum hardy in the UK?
Verbascum undulatum 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 undulatum?
Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or early summer, Root cuttings in winter, Divide mature plants in spring.
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