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

This cottage garden favorite has showy 3’ tall spikes of purple May August rising from evergreen rosettes of dark green leaves that lay almost flat on the ground; short lived perennial or biennial, usually reseeds. Enjoys dry rocky sites and open woodland settings in well drained (hates wet feet), dryish soil. Hold the fertilizer, this baby likes it lean!

By: Secret Garden Growers

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.

By: Far Reaches Farm

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.

By: Digging Dog Nursery

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.