Verbascum: Dramatic Foliage & Spiky Flowers for Sunny, Dry Spots

Verbascums are grown for their large leaves and tall, candle-like flower spikes. Species and hybrids are biennial or perennial. All prefer full sun and moderate water (let soil dry somewhat between waterings).

Notable Types

• V. bombyciferum 'Arctic Summer' (biennial; zones 2–11, 14–24): 1½-ft. furry gray-green leaves; yellow flowers on 6-ft. powdery white spikes.
• V. chaixii (perennial; zones 2–11, 14–24): 6-in. hairy green leaves; 3-ft. spikes of pale yellow with red eye. 'Album' is white with purple center.
• V. phoeniceum hybrids (perennial; zones 1–10, 14–24): 6-in. dark green leaves (smooth top, hairy underside); pink, red, violet, white flowers on 2–4 ft. spikes. 'Violetta' has dark violet-purple blooms.

Other Hybrids

• 'Banana Custard' (biennial to 6 ft.; yellow)
• 'Copper Rose' (perennial to 6 ft.; apricot, buff, rose, tan; blooms first year from late winter/early spring seed)
• 'Southern Charm' (apricot, cream, dusky pink, lavender; zones 3–10, 14–24)