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Herbaceous Perennial

Verbascum 'Plum Smokey'PBR

mullein 'Plum Smokey'

'Plum Smokey' is a compact rosette-forming, sometimes short-lived perennial to 45cm tall. Greyish-green, hairy, ovate leaves form a basal rosette and slender spikes of purple flowers are borne in summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 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 Purple Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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

Grows best in an alkaline, well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or by root cuttings in winter

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

Remove faded flower spikes

Pests

May be susceptible to mullein moth caterpillars and figwort weevil

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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