Hybrid Verbascum Collection

This collection of hybrid Verbascum offers a range of vibrant colours and long-lasting flowering. Consisting of the varieties Verbascum (x) phoeniceum 'Flush of White', 'Violetta', and 'Pink Domino', this collection will provide full satisfaction in sunny areas of the garden with well-drained soil, particularly in rockeries or raised borders. Their dark green basal foliage is deciduous to semi-evergreen, providing an interesting visual contrast with the flowers. Hardy down to -15°C (5°F), they also tolerate some drought. Though perennials, mulleins do not survive heavy and moist soil for long, faring instead much better in light or even poor soil. The plants readily self-seed in light soil and usually flower within the year of sowing.

The collection consists of:

1 x Verbascum phoeniceum 'Flush of White': this variety is distinguished by its pure white flowers and medium height of 70 cm (28in). Its dark green foliage forms an excellent contrast with its bright flowers.

1 x Verbascum phoeniceum 'Violetta': characterised by the beautiful dark violet hue of its flowers and a slightly shorter height, around 60-65 cm (24-26in), ideal for borders and mass planting.

1 x Verbascum phoeniceum 'Pink Domino': produces fresh pink flowers with a darker centre, and its height can reach up to 1 m (3ft), making it the tallest in the collection.

These hybrid verbascum can be planted in spring or autumn, preferring spring in colder regions and autumn in hot and dry climates. They thrive particularly well in rockeries, raised beds, or gravel borders. These plants love sunlight and well-drained soil. For a harmonious arrangement, place the tallest varieties, such as 'Pink Domino', at the back of your display. Allow approximately 3 to 5 plants per square metre and keep a distance of at least 40 cm (16in) between each plant.

Combine these mullein with plants that have similar soil and exposure requirements. The Geranium 'Rozanne' with blue flowers creates a beautiful contrast to the mullein and should ideally be placed in front of them along the border. The Fescue 'Elijah Blue' with its blue-grey foliage adds a different texture and blends well with the verbascum for a more natural effect. The lavandin 'Grosso' with violet flowers completes the colour palette of the mullein and can be planted behind them to add height and fragrance to the overall display. Finally, the sage 'Mainacht' with its dark purple spikes of flowers can be planted between the lavandins for a sense of depth, with its dark colour accentuating the lighter tones of the verbascum. By combining these different plants with this collection, you will create a rich and balanced masterpiece.

All in all, the hybrid Verbascum collection is a wise choice for gardeners looking to inject a diversity of colours into their green spaces while minimising maintenance requirements.