Verbascum

( ver - BASK - um )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of biennials and perennials, commonly called Mullein,  needs full sun and moderate water. They form rosettes and bloom in summertime, sending up spikes of dense flowers. Foliage is commonly covered in hairs. 

Verbascum Species and Varietals

Mullein growing zones vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

​Verbascum blattaria (Moth Mullein)
This species is biennial, and grows in zones 1-11 and 14-24. It is native from Europe to central Asia, and reaches 6 feet tall and 2 feet wide with large, dark green leaves. Flowers are yellow or creamy white, and a variety also comes with pink flowers.

Verbascum bombyciferum 'Arctic Summer' ('Polarsommer')
This variety is biennial and grows best in zones 2-11 and 14-24. It is native to Turkey and grows to 6 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with furry greyish green leaves and yellow flowers.

Verbascum chaixii
This perennial species is best in zones 2-11 and 14-24; native to Europe. It has pale yellow flowers with red eyes. Varieties include 'Album' (with white flowers that have purple centers), 'Sixteen Candles' (with yellow blooms that have purple eyes).

Verbascum dumulosum
Best in zones 7-9 and 14-24, this perennial reaches a foot tall and a little wider, with velvety white foliage. Flowers bloom on short, branching spikes and are yellow with purple centers. Hybrid varietal 'Letita' blooms over a longer period in summertime.
Verbascum hybridum
This species grows well in zones 3-10 and 14-24, and most need to be grown from seed. Varieties are listed and described below.
'Banana Custard'
This biennial reaches 5-6 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with bright yellow flowers. 
Benary & Cotswold Hybrids
These perennials come in white, ream, pink, and purple. Varieties 'Helen Johnson' (with peach pink flowers) and 'Pink Domino' (with bright pink flowers).
'Copper Rose'
Perennial that reaches 4-6 feet tall and 2 feet wide, and flowers come in buff, apricot, rose, or tan. Sow in late winter or early spring. 
'Sierra Sunset'
This variety is perennial and forms foliage rosettes 8 inches tall and 3 feet wide, with downy leaves Flowers can be salmon, melon, and rose.

​Verbascum olympicum
This perennial grows well in zones 3-10 and 14-24 and is native to Greece. It reaches 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with soft white leaves and bright yellow flowers.

​Verbascum phoeniceum (Purple Mullein)
This species is best in zones 1-10 and 14-24, and is a perennial. It reaches 2-4 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide, and has dark green leaves and purple flowers. Variety 'Violetta' reaches 2-3 feet tall with deep purple flowers.

Caring for Verbascum

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 645 - 646, Verbascum
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