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Herbaceous Perennial

Verbascum phoeniceum 'Flush of White'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

purple mullein 'Flush of White'

A short-lived herbaceous perennial up to 60cm high, with evergreen rosettes of shiny dark green leaves and spikes of pure white flowers with thin, fluttery petals and bright yellow-orange centres in summer

Synonyms
Verbascum phoeniceum 'White Bride'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Orange White Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun in light, non-acidic, well-drained soil

Propagation

Propagate by root cuttings in late winter - because it is rather short-lived, propagate new plants regularly

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wall side borders
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required, but deadheading spent flower-spikes may encourage more to form

Pests

May be susceptible to figwort weevil and by mullein moth caterpillars but generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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