The spires of this purple mullein add seasonal interest to attract pollinators in the Bee Borders.
A member of the Scrophulariaceae (figwort family), the genus Verbascum contains over 450 species from Europe to Mongolia, Sri Lanka, north Africa, Kenya and the Arabian Peninsula. Members of the genus have a basal rosette of leaves, erect stems, slender inflorescences, and five-lobed flowers. This species, V. phoeniceum, occurs from Europe to north-western Iran, and it has a basal rosette of dark green leaves, and produces flowers to 1m in height. The erect stems bear open, saucer-shaped flowers of a rich purple colour with a yellow eye, and these open in succession, with the lower opening first. ‘Violetta’ likes a sunny position and good drainage, and is a welcome addition in mixed plantings.