Verbascum 'Chantilly'
mullein
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- Standard £5.95
This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average
- Flowering period: May to August
- Hardiness: Fully hardy (but short-lived)
Bold, insect-friendly spires of elegant, saucer-shaped, white flowers speckled with peachy stamens from May to August. Verbascums are wonderful for creating vertical interest, and they will also thrive in poor alkaline soils without much moisture once established. ‘Chantilly’ looks wonderfully sweet combined with cottage garden perennials and dark-flowering roses.
It is worth keeping in mind that these plants are mainly biennial, so although they usually self-seed freely, the plant will only live for two years.
It is worth keeping in mind that these plants are mainly biennial, so although they usually self-seed freely, the plant will only live for two years.
Apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch around the base of the plant in autumn to protect from winter extremes, taking care not to cover the crown. Stake in spring with bamboo canes or twiggy prunings before the flowers appear. Mullein moth caterpillars can be a problem, so pick off the insects in early June as soon as they appear. Remove faded flower spikes.