Verbascum 'Wessex'

RHS Plant Profile
mullein 'Wessex'

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Herbaceous Perennial

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
No preference
Drought Resistance
Yes

Botanical Details

Family
Scrophulariaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Verbascum can be annuals, biennials, perennials or subshrubs mostly with hairy leaves and 5-petalled, saucer-shaped flowers
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in alkaline, poor, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Plants grown in fertile soil may need support, see staking (perennials)

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or take 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 caterpillars, including mullein moth, and to figwort weevils

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews