Verbascum 'Banana Custard'
mullein 'Banana Custard'
An upright variety which can be short-lived. It produced rosettes of grey-green velvety leaves, followed by long, slim stems of flat, yellow flowers during the summer
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
AlkalineColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Scrophulariaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in full sun in light, non-acidic, well-drained soil: will tolerate shallow chalky soils, dry soils, and poor soils, but will need staking in richer soils, and will not tolerate wet soils
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or early summer, or by root cuttings in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove faded flower spikes to prolong flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to mullein moth caterpillars and figwort weevil
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
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