Photo of Verbascum phoeniceum 'Violetta' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

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Verbascum phoeniceum 'Violetta'

Also Known As

  • Beggar’s Blanket
  • Violetta Purple Mullein

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 18"

planting zones

  • 6a-10b

More Options

Verbascum phoeniceum 'Violetta' plant details

Verbascum phoeniceum 'Violetta' is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with green foliage. In spring and summer purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in alkaline, average, clay, lean, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Verbascum phoeniceum 'Violetta'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: scrophulariaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 18 IN wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in spring and summer
Uses: border plant, cutting garden, rock garden, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Verbascum phoeniceum 'Violetta'

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Resistant to: deer and snail / slug
Soil needs: alkaline, average, clay, lean, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A good perennial dwarf Mullein with some of the darkest flowers in the genus. Rich purple flowers with a somewhat darker eye are held on stems 18"-24" tall and an established clump can flower most of the summer. After flowering, the black-maroon seed capsules continue to entertain. Drought tolerant and deer resistant, appreciates good drainage.
As a precursor to the royal floral show of this delicate Mullein, enchanting buds swell, resembling tiny, dark satin pillows. A deep green, flat rosette of oval-shaped, crinkled leaves provides an attractive base for the airy and richly colored flowering spikes. Brightened by gilt stamens, papery purple blooms are flat-faced and look fabulous in arrangements. Self-seeding easily, and shorter in stature than most Verbascums, 'Violetta' is perfect for the smaller garden.
When folks ask me if there is one perennial I highly recommend, I most always steer them towards Verbascums (“Mullein”) for their beauty and extreme easiness to grow. Truly “plant and forget,” they are not fussy about soil, are drought tolerant, deer and snail proof, grow in sun to bright shade. If you cut them back, they will re-bloom fairly quickly - plus they reseed. To sum it up, they make your garden look great with absolutely no work! This rare selection makes branching spikes of a rich, dark, violet-purple. To 30” tall.
Dark purple-red flower spikes in mid summer combines well with Abutilon Dennis and Erysimum 'Apricot Twist' Reblooms if deadheaded.

Gardening facts about Verbascum phoeniceum 'Violetta' plant

How to Grow Verbascum phoeniceum 'Violetta'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • alkaline
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • deer resistant
    • snail / slug resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
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