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Verbascum (Cotswold Group) 'Cotswold Queen'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

mullein 'Cotswold Queen'

A biennial or short-lived perennial producing a semi-evergreen rosette of pale, grey-green leaves. The narrow, unbranched flower spikes reach 1.2m and carry butter-yellow flowers with purple eyes

Synonyms
Verbascum phoeniceum 'Cotswold Queen'
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Green
Summer Purple Yellow Grey Silver Green
Autumn Grey Silver Green
Winter Grey Silver 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 the UK
No
Foliage
Semi 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 full sun. Mulch around the base overwinter, without covering the crown

Propagation

Propagate by root cuttings in winter

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

Remove faded flower spikes

Pests

May be susceptible to caterpillars and figwort weevil

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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