Botanical Interests
Shades of Summer Verbascum (Mullein) Seeds
Shades of Summer Verbascum (Mullein) Seeds
Verbascum phoeniceum
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Product Details
Product Details
A truly spectacular perennial! Each plant has multiple graceful spikes of blossoms in white, pink, deep rose, violet, and purple that attract butterflies. Fairly drought tolerant, fast growing, excellent in dry landscape gardens, or alone in mass plantings. Wonderful cut flowers; even dried stalks with seed pods add interest to dried arrangements.
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- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
Variety Info
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Native: Europe, Asia
Hardiness: Perennial (short-lived) in USDA zones 4–8
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Period: Late spring to summer
Plant Dimensions: 2'–4' tall, 1'–2' wide
Variety Info: 1 ¼" wide, single flowers in white, pink, deep rose, violet, and purple
Attributes: Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flower, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date and up to 2 months before your average first fall frost date. If sown as early as January in mild climates, plants may bloom first year. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 60°–70°F.
When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date. If started as early as January, may bloom first year. Sow in biodegradable pots; tap roots are sensitive to disturbance.
Days to Emerge: 5–15 days
Seed Depth: Press into surface
Seed Spacing: A group of 4 seeds every 12"
Thinning: When ½"–1" tall, thin to 1 every 12"
- Jolea H.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsMar 25, 2026First time growing Verbascum
I sowed these seeds on November 30, 2025, hoping for first year blooms. I have potted them up once and hoping I don't need to again before transplanting them outside. They are growing vigorously and look fantastic. I always have excellent germination with Botanical Interests seeds. I have been buying from them for several years. Zone 8B, Washington state.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateEGEpic GardeningMar 27, 2026Hey Jolea,
We're so excited to hear about your first-time success with our Shades of Summer Verbascum Seeds! It sounds like you're off to a fantastic start - vigorous growth and healthy-looking plants are exactly what you want to see at this stage. Your timing with the November sowing was perfect for getting those first-year blooms you're hoping for! We love hearing from loyal customers like you who've been growing with us for several years - it means the world to us that you consistently get excellent germination with our seeds. Your verbascum is going to put on quite the show once it gets established in your Zone 8B garden! Keep on growing 🌻️
- Susan F.Rated 5 out of 5 starsFeb 9, 20255 Stars
I sowed these indoors January 8 under regular LED lights. Amazing germination rate and very vigorous seedlings. I love their healthy dark green foliage. I have potted them up once and can’t wait to harden them off to plant out in early March. (Texas)
Botanical Interests, can you recommend companion plants that work with the shape and size of this variety? I can’t find photos of them in a mixed border, only closeups of single specimens.
- Deb G.Rated 5 out of 5 starsDec 5, 20235 Stars
I started mine in early February in milk jugs outside (the winter sowing method). I had this beautiful blooms in May. I highly recommend them!
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate - Monica A.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsJun 23, 20235 Stars
They just went in the starter I’ll let you know how they do!
- Silvana O.Rated 5 out of 5 starsMay 22, 20235 Stars
Stunning blooms! Germinated well indoors and also transplanted well last year. No flowers in the first year just deep green low growing leaves. This year, we finally have it flowering.
