
Verbascum
The beautiful Verbascum, commonly referred to as mullein, adds height
and drama to the garden with architectural flower spikes, which
punctuate garden borders. These statuesque perennial plants flower in a
range of colors from white to deepest purple on top of a basal rosette
of leaves, which means that there is a plant for every color scheme.
Verbascums are easy to grow from seed and if you wish to do this you
can purchase particular plant seeds from the seed selection on our
Links page.
How to grow
Verbascums
are easily grown plants that look great in both modern and traditional
designs. When you receive your plants you should move
them in to their final positions as soon as possible. If you cannot
plant immediately, ensure your plants are watered and keep them moist
and in a cool and bright space until planting is possible.
Position
A
position in full or part sun is ideal for growing Verbascums and
depending on the individual ultimate height of the plant it is likely
that they will suit a position anywhere from the front to the back of
the border. Smaller plants can be grown in containers.
Soil
Plants
will grow in most soils and native species often thrive on derelict
land with unfertile soils. To encourage an impressive flower display it
is advised that plants are given a soil that is fertile, well-drained
and moist. Heavy soils can be improved with the addition of organic
matter, such as well-rotted garden compost or multi-purpose compost and an
application of general fertilizer or liquid seaweed feed
during the growing season and after flowering will help to promote
strong and healthy plant growth.
Care
Verbascums
are typically care free but you will need to water plants well after
planting and irrigation systems will make this
process easier, although not essential. In spring it is good practice
to add a mulch of well-rotted garden compost or multi-purpose compost as
this will help to encourage good growth, reduce competition from weeds,
conserve water and keep roots moist throughout summer. Once
established these plants will tolerate periods of drought. Remove
fading flowers by hand or with
Ratcheting Pruners and add them to the compost bin
prior to seeds setting. Plants are susceptible to some pest and disease attack and control
measures are available in the pest and disease section.
Top Tip
In
spring you can propagate plants from root cuttings.