Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer'
mullein 'Polarsommer'
An evergreen biennial, or short-lived perennial, producing a basal rosette up to 60cm across, and a sparsely branched, vertical flowering spike up to 2m, all covered in silvery-white hairs. Saucer-shaped, lemon-yellow flowers appear in summer
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Grey Silver | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Yellow | Grey Silver | ||
Autumn | Grey Silver | |||
Winter | Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical 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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in alkaline, poor, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Plants grown in fertile soil may need support, see staking perennials
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or by division in spring or take 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
Pests
May be susceptible to caterpillars, including mullein moth, and to figwort weevils
Diseases
May be susceptible to Powdery mildews
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