Verbascum phoeniceum ‘Violetta’ (Purple Mullein)

A very pretty Mullein, Verbascum phoeniceum ‘Violetta’ (Purple Mullein) is an evergreen perennial with graceful, airy spikes of rich, dark, violet-purple flowers. Flat-faced, each flower sports a darker center with golden stamens. Blooming over a long flowering period extending from late spring to late summer, the flowers are borne on thin stems and rise above a flat rosette of deep green, purple-flushed, and conspicuously veined leaves. Shorter than most Verbascums, ‘Violetta’ is perfect for the smaller garden.

• Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 36 in. wide (90 cm). Self-seeds easily
• Enjoys full sun in poor, dry to medium, alkaline, well-drained soils.
• 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 borders and beds, gravel gardens, and cottage gardens.
• Remove spent flower spikes. Propagate by division in spring or take root cuttings in winter.

Verbascum is a genus of mainly summer-flowering annuals, biennials, perennials, or sub-shrubs. Spectacular, Verbascums are interesting border plants with their graceful spikes of long-lasting blossoms in shades of white, pink, deep rose, violet, and purple. Easy to grow, drought tolerant, and deer resistant, their stately appearance, and handsome vertical lines make them natural candidates for mixed borders where they will attract hummingbirds and draw the attention of onlookers. Wonderful as cut flowers, Verbascums are also great for bouquets!