Verbascum 'Polar Summer'

The towering stems of Verbascum ‘Polar Summer’ provide great architectural interest. The handsome floral stems are rich golden yellow, will flower in the second year, producing viable seed for future plants (not to worry, even though they are fertile they are not invasive). The stems are attractive right into autumn, and even winter when they begin to falter. So you are getting around a three to four month show from these beauties.

The basal foliage of Verbascum ‘Polar Summer’ are covered in soft, silver, woolly hairs which frost the foliage and create a good contrast. The leaves are big too, growing to around 35cm.

Plant Verbascum ‘Polar Summer’ in a full sun to part shade position. They thrive in poor to moderately fertile, well drained, alkaline soils. In poorly drained soils the plants tend to rot. In rich soils, they will grow tall and will need to be staked.

Choose an area out of harsh winds or be prepared to stake. Water in, then only if rainfall is low, dry tolerant once established.

Verbascums are commonly known as Mullein. These are biennial plants, the seeds are viable and should be allowed to fall to produce plants into the future.

Verbascum look wonderful in cottages gardens, dry gardens and coastal gardens.