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Herbaceous PerennialAnnual Biennial

Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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

Synonyms
Verbascum bombyciferum 'Arctic Summer'
Verbascum 'Arctic Summer'
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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 Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Native to the UK
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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