Verbascum Plum Smokey (Mullein)

Compact, Verbascum 'Plum Smokey' is a short-lived perennial with a profusion of graceful spikes smothered with large, smoky-purple flowers. Blooming over a long flowering period extending from late spring to late summer (if properly deadheaded), the flower stalks rise elegantly from a handsome low-growing rosette of crispy-green leaves. Perfect for sunny borders and small gardens.

• Grows up to 8-16 in. tall (20-40 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. It is not fussy about soils and tolerates poor soils, but good drainage is essential. Plants grown in fertile soils grow taller and may require staking.
• Drought tolerant and deer resistant, it is fairly pest and disease free. Watch, however, for caterpillars, figwort weevil and powdery mildew.
• Provides a lovely vertical accent in the garden. Very useful and adaptable, it is well suited for beds and borders, gravel gardens, cottage gardens and wildlife gardens. Excellent as cut flowers and great in containers too.
• Remove spent flower spikes before seed sets to promote further blooms and to avoid undesired self-seeding in the garden. May be propagated by root cuttings in late winter to early spring.