Verbascum Dark Eyes - Mullein

Verbascum 'Dark Eyes' is a selection of hybrid Mullein that is very compact and floriferous, ideal for borders, small spaces, and pots. Its floral spikes filled with cream-yellow flowers with brown centres appear for several weeks if you regularly cut them back as they fade. A short-lived, hardy and easy-to-grow perennial.

The 'Dark Eyes' Hybrid Mullein belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family. It is a hybrid resulting from cross-breeding Verbascum chaixii native to central and southern Europe, the Caucasus, and Armenia, among others. This variety was recently selected in the USA. It is shorter than the cultivar 'Jackie', with larger, greyer leaves. 'Dark Eyes' will reach 30 cm (12in) high, more in fertile soil. It grows rapidly, reaching its eventual height in one month. This perennial has a rosette from which short branched floral stems emerge from June to September, in pyramidal spikes composed of cup-shaped 3 cm (1in) pale yellow flowers, closely packed together and opening here and there along the spike. The rosettes are composed of large ovate to elliptical, wavy, dark grey-green, slightly hairy leaves. Some of this foliage persists during winter. This Mullein is a bee-friendly plant. Although theoretically perennial, it is often grown as a biennial due to its short life. 

Verbascum 'Dark Eyes' prefers sun and moderately fertile soil. This variety will bring elegance and lightness to borders and floral compositions on the terrace. Plant it in a rockery or in groups in a flower bed. Its rustic appearance suits slightly wild areas with small ornamental grasses and Nepeta mussinii, but it also fits in a romantic setting with dwarf roses in yellow, orange, or white. You can enjoy its splendid flowers in pots on the terrace with Nemesias or blue lobelias.