Flush of White (Verbascum phoeniceum) is an elegant perennial mullein that produces tall, graceful spikes of pure white flowers above a tidy rosette of textured green foliage. Unlike the common wild mulleins, this ornamental species has a refined garden habit, with slender flowering stems that add vertical interest without overwhelming nearby plants. Its clean white blossoms brighten sunny borders, cottage gardens, pollinator plantings, and mixed perennial beds while providing a soft, airy look from late spring into summer.
Garden UsesFlush of White is ideal for cottage gardens, perennial borders, pollinator gardens, cutting gardens, gravel gardens, rock gardens, and informal meadow-style plantings. Its upright flower spikes combine beautifully with lavender, catmint, salvia, yarrow, coreopsis, dianthus, foxgloves, ornamental grasses, and other sun-loving perennials. The white blooms are especially useful for softening bright color schemes and adding contrast beside blue, purple, pink, or yellow flowers.
Growing InformationSow seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected spring frost, or sow outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Press seeds lightly onto the surface of a fine, moist seed-starting mix and cover only very lightly, as light helps germination. Maintain temperatures around 65° to 70°F and keep the growing medium evenly moist until seedlings emerge, usually within 14 to 28 days.
Transplant seedlings into full sun and well-drained soil. Verbascum prefers average to lean soil and performs especially well in sandy, gravelly, or lightly alkaline conditions. Avoid heavy, wet soils, which can shorten plant life. Once established, plants are fairly drought tolerant and require little care. Removing spent flower spikes encourages a cleaner appearance and may promote additional blooming.
Quick Facts| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Verbascum phoeniceum |
| Common Name | Flush of White Mullein |
| Plant Type | Short-lived Perennial |
| Flower Color | White |
| Bloom Time | Late Spring to Summer |
| Height | 24–36 inches |
| Spread | 12–18 inches |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Soil Requirements | Average to lean, well-drained soil |
| Water Requirements | Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established |
| USDA Zones | 5–9 |
| Garden Uses | Cottage gardens, perennial borders, pollinator gardens, dry gardens, rock gardens, gravel gardens, and cut flowers |
Verbascum Mix (Verbascum phoeniceum) is a beautiful collection of colorful perennial mulleins that produces elegant flower spikes in shades of white, soft pink, lavender, violet, rose, and rich purple. Rising gracefully above attractive basal rosettes of textured green foliage, these refined perennial flowers bring vertical interest and cottage garden charm from late spring through early summer. Unlike the large yellow roadside mulleins, Verbascum phoeniceum offers a compact, graceful habit that blends beautifully into perennial borders while attracting a wide variety of pollinators.
Garden UsesVerbascum Mix is ideal for cottage gardens, perennial borders, pollinator gardens, cutting gardens, gravel gardens, rock gardens, meadow plantings, and naturalistic landscapes. The colorful flower spikes provide excellent vertical accents among lower-growing perennials and combine beautifully with salvia, lavender, catmint, foxgloves, yarrow, dianthus, coreopsis, penstemons, ornamental grasses, and echinacea. The mixed flower colors create an informal, old-fashioned garden appearance that remains attractive throughout the blooming season.
Growing InformationSow seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected spring frost or sow directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Press seeds lightly onto the surface of a fine, moist seed-starting mix and cover very lightly, as light aids germination. Maintain temperatures between 65° and 70°F while keeping the growing medium evenly moist. Germination usually occurs within 14 to 28 days.
Transplant seedlings into full sun and well-drained soil. Verbascum performs best in average to lean soils with excellent drainage and is particularly well suited to sandy, gravelly, or slightly alkaline conditions. Once established, plants require little supplemental watering and tolerate periods of drought very well. Removing spent flower spikes often encourages additional blooming and helps maintain a tidy appearance.
Quick Facts| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Verbascum phoeniceum |
| Common Name | Verbascum Mix, Purple Mullein Mix |
| Plant Type | Short-lived Perennial |
| Flower Color | Mixed White, Pink, Rose, Lavender, Violet, and Purple |
| Bloom Time | Late Spring through Early Summer |
| Height | 24–36 inches |
| Spread | 12–18 inches |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Soil Requirements | Average to lean, well-drained soil |
| Water Requirements | Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established |
| USDA Zones | 5–9 |
| Garden Uses | Cottage gardens, perennial borders, pollinator gardens, gravel gardens, rock gardens, meadow plantings, and cut flower gardens |
Antique Rose (Verbascum phoeniceum) is a graceful perennial mullein prized for its tall, elegant flower spikes covered in soft rose-pink blooms with an old-fashioned cottage garden charm. Rising above textured green basal foliage, the upright stems provide beautiful vertical interest without becoming coarse or overpowering. Its warm antique-rose coloring blends easily with both pastel and bold garden companions, making it a lovely choice for perennial borders, pollinator gardens, cutting gardens, and naturalized sunny plantings.
Garden UsesAntique Rose is ideal for cottage gardens, perennial borders, pollinator gardens, gravel gardens, rock gardens, meadow-style plantings, and cut flower gardens. Its soft pink flower spikes pair beautifully with lavender, catmint, salvia, yarrow, dianthus, foxgloves, coreopsis, ornamental grasses, and white or purple verbascums. The vertical bloom spikes add height and movement to mixed plantings while keeping a refined, airy appearance.
Growing InformationSow seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected spring frost, or sow outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Press seeds lightly onto the surface of a fine, moist seed-starting mix and cover only very lightly, as light helps germination. Maintain temperatures between 65° and 70°F and keep the growing medium evenly moist until seedlings emerge, usually within 14 to 28 days.
Transplant seedlings into full sun and well-drained soil. Verbascum performs best in average to lean soils and is especially well suited to sandy, gravelly, or slightly alkaline conditions. Avoid heavy, wet soils, which can shorten the life of the plant. Once established, Antique Rose is fairly drought tolerant and requires little care. Removing spent flower spikes encourages a tidy appearance and may promote additional bloom.
Quick Facts| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Verbascum phoeniceum |
| Common Name | Antique Rose Verbascum |
| Plant Type | Short-lived Perennial |
| Flower Color | Antique Rose Pink |
| Bloom Time | Late Spring to Summer |
| Height | 24–36 inches |
| Spread | 12–18 inches |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Soil Requirements | Average to lean, well-drained soil |
| Water Requirements | Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established |
| USDA Zones | 5–9 |
| Garden Uses | Cottage gardens, perennial borders, pollinator gardens, gravel gardens, rock gardens, meadow plantings, and cut flowers |