Verbascum (Cotswold Group) 'Royal Highland'

RHS Plant Profile
mullein 'Royal Highland'
mullein 'Royal Highland' RHS

Synonyms

Verbascum chaixii 'Royal Highland'

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

'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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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