Verbascum chaixii 'Wedding Candles'
nettle-leaved mullein 'Wedding Candles'
A short-lived perennial producing a semi-evergreen basal rosette of grey-green leaves,with tall, narrow, branched flower spikes from early to late summer. The flowers are white with purple stamens
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Scrophulariaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
- Gravel garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- 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
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