Verbascum (Cotswold Group) 'Gainsborough'
mullein 'Gainsborough'
A semi-evergreen, short-lived perennial to 1.2m, with grey-green, ovate leaves in a basal rosette, and erect spikes of primrose yellow flowers 2-3cm in width
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
AlkalineColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
ExposedDrought 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; drought-tolerant plant. In fertile soils, it grows large and needs support
Propagation
Propagate by root cuttings in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove faded flower spikes
Pests
May be susceptible to caterpillars and figwort weevil
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
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