Verbascum phoeniceum 'Flush of White'
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
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Orange White | Green | |
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical 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
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
- Prairie planting
- 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
Get involved
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