Verbascum chaixii

Verbascums are stately, tall, upright-growing, border perennials that are ideal for adding height and structure to planting schemes. Verbascum chaixii 'Album' bears saucer-shaped, white flowers with red-purple centres from May to August. It will fit into both bold-coloured and pastel planting schemes and is equally at home in the cottage garden or manicured border.

For best results grow Verbascum chaixii 'Album' in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in sun or partial shade. Cut old flowering stems to ground level to prolong flowering. Plants are the caterpillar foodplant of the mullein moth, Cucullia verbasci, which cause unsightly holes in the foliage. If possible grow plants towards the centre of the border so other plants mask the holey leaves, or grow wild verbascums nearby, onto which you can transfer the caterpillars.