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Verbascum 'Dark Eyes' (PBR)

mullein

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Adorned with sophisticated blooms that pair custard-yellow petals with striking maroon centres, this compact, semi-evergreen perennial commands attention despite its diminutive 30cm (12in) stature. Verbascum 'Dark Eyes' forms a neat rosette of felted, crinkled grey-green leaves, from which dense, cone-shaped flower spikes emerge reliably from early summer.

Its drought-tolerant nature once established, and natural resistance to browsing deer and rabbits make it an invaluable choice for low-maintenance gardens. Its short habit perfectly suits front-of-border positions and patio containers where vertical accents are desired.

The sturdy flower stems serve double duty as both pollinator magnets in the garden and distinctive additions to summer bouquets, ensuring this versatile perennial earns its keep as both a landscape and cutting garden staple.

How to care for Verbascum Dark Eyes (PBR):

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, pick off the insects in early June as soon as they appear. Remove faded flower spikes.
Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
0.3m
Eventual spread:
0.2m
Position:

Full sun

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

  • InformationThis 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.

Product options

Product options image
RH30004122
9cm pot
£9.99
available to order from spring
Product options image
RH30007921
3 × 9cm pots
£33.38
available to order from spring
Product options image
RH30007922
6 × 9cm pots
was £59.94 now £39.99
available to order from spring
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Standard delivery Standard Delivery£5.95
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