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Herbaceous Perennial

Verbascum olympicum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Olympian mullein

a short-lived perennial, usually dying after flowering, with grey-woolly stems and leaves, and panicles to 2m in height, with yellow flowers in summer

Synonyms
Verbascum longifolium var. pannosum
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Yellow Green Grey Silver
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Exposed
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Verbascum can be annuals, biennials, perennials or subshrubs mostly with hairy leaves and 5-petalled, saucer-shaped flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Greece & Turkey

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in alkaline, poor, well-drained soil in full sun; drought-tolerant plant. In fertile soils, it grows large and needs support

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in late spring to early summer. Propagate by division in early spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Remove faded flower spikes

Pests

May be susceptible to caterpillars and figwort weevil

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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