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Herbaceous Perennial

Verbascum phoeniceum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

purple mullein

a rosette-forming biennial or short-lived perennial with dark green basal leaves to 15cm long. In late spring and early summer it produces tall, airy spires of saucer-shaped, white, pink or purple flowers

Synonyms
Verbascum phoeniceum wild form
Verbascum atroviolaceum
see moreCelsia rechingeri
Celsia atroviolaceae
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Purple White Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
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
C Europe to W Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in alkaline, poor, well-drained soil in a sunny position

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or take root cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • 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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