Verbascum Southern Charm

Verbascum Southern Charm: Pastel Spikes for the Cottage Garden

Verbascum Southern Charm, commonly known as Mullein, is a beautiful, ornamental perennial prized for its dramatic, tall spikes covered in exquisite pastel-colored flowers. This variety features a delicate blend of shades, including cream, pink, peach, buff, and lavender, often highlighted by a dark “bee” marking in the centre.

It forms a rosette of woolly, silvery-green basal leaves that provide lovely texture even when not in bloom. Flowers appear from late spring through summer, and deadheading spent spikes can often encourage a second flush of blooms in the fall.

It is notably drought-tolerant once established, thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and is relatively low-maintenance.

Specifications

• Also Known As: Mullein.
• Type: Ornamental perennial (may be short-lived (2–3 years) in hot, humid climates).
• Flowers: Tall spikes of pastel shades (cream, pink, peach, buff, lavender).
• Foliage: Woolly, silvery-green basal leaves.
• Height & Spread: 2–3  feet tall; 1–2 feet wide.
• Tolerances: Drought-tolerant, pest/disease resistant.

Best Uses

• Cottage gardens and mixed borders.
• Excellent cut flower.
• Attracting butterflies and bees (pollinator-friendly).