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Herbaceous Perennial

Verbascum (Cotswold Group) 'Royal Highland'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

mullein 'Royal Highland'

'Royal Highland' is a semi-evergreen perennial with grey-green leaves and 1.5m spires of yellow flowers flushed with apricot, with a purple eye

Synonyms
Verbascum chaixii 'Royal Highland'
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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
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Orange Green Grey Silver
Autumn Orange Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Prefers a poor, well-drained alkaline soil in full sun. If grown in a more fertile soil the plants become larger and will need support

Propagation

Divide mature plants in the spring or take root cuttings in winter

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

Cut back old stems to the base after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to Figwort Weevil and some moth caterpillars

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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