Verbascum 'Dark Eyes' (PBR)
mullein
Adorned with sophisticated blooms that pair custard-yellow petals with striking maroon centres, this compact, semi-evergreen perennial commands attention despite its diminutive...
3 × 9cm pots
£35.99
£12.00 each
available to order from autumn
9cm pot
£14.99
available to order from autumn
1
Plant description
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.
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.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
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.
Please note:
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.
