Verbascum growing guide

Verbascum

Botanical Name: Verbascum phoeniceum. ‘White Blush’: V. blattaria
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Plant Type: Evergreen Biennial
Size (HxW): 50-120cm x 30-60cm
Depth & Spacing: Plant at the same level as in the pot with roots spread evenly below the soil surface, space 40- 60cm apart.
Soil: Well drained but not fussy. They will grow in alkaline conditions. In poorly drained soils the plants tend to rot. Aspect: Full sun to semi shade
Climate: Cool to Mediterranean
Frost: Hardy
Water: Water to establish then only if rainfall is low during active growth.
Fertiliser: A slow release fertiliser late spring or summer.
Flowering Time: Spring to summer
After Flower Care: When the first blooms begin to wane, cut the central stem back to where the side shoots emerge. Add some fertiliser and in around four weeks you should have a second flowering. Allow these flowers to set seed before removing.
Notes: Cut back after flowering. Mulch in autumn to protect against the harsh winter weather. Best planted in a protected area, in windy spots they will need to be staked. The seeds are viable and should be allowed to fall, or sown for future generations. While evergreen, in cold winters, the plants may lose their leaves, in spring they will quickly reshoot.

Verbascum