Verbascum chaixii 'Sixteen Candles'
nettle-leaved mullein 'Sixteen Candles'
A semi-evergreen perennial to 90cm in height, producing rosettes of hairy, grey to green leaves, followed by long stems of saucer-shaped yellow flowers with violet-purple centres during the summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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
Grow in alkaline, poor, well-drained soil in full sun. A drought-tolerant plant, which can grow large and need support in fertile soils
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or early summer, or by 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
Remove faded flower spikes to prolong flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to mullein moth caterpillars and figwort weevil
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
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