Photo of Verbascum creticum flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Verbascum creticum

Also Known As

  • Verbascum creticum
  • Verbascum species 'Cotswold King'
  • Cretan Mullein

Plant type

perennial, annual / biennial

size

  • H: 3'-5'
  • W: 30"

planting zones

  • 7a-11

More Options

Verbascum creticum plant details

Verbascum creticum is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial or perennial with green foliage. In spring and summer yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Verbascum creticum

Plant type: annual / biennial or perennial
Plant family: scrophulariaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 30 IN wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: cottage garden, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Verbascum creticum

USDA Zones: 7a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, rabbit and snail / slug
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

An unusual, annual Verbascum, from the island of Crete, as the specific epithet implies. The plant initially consists of a quick growing rosette, upto 40cm across, of somewhat glaucous, wavy margined, highly textured, arrow shape leaves. At any time, from spring through to autumn, tall spires, bearing five petalled flowers, the largest we have seen on any Verbascum, are produced. Each flower is neatly divided in half, the top being custard yellow, the bottom half paler cream, the upper petals in addition, carry a pair of large burgundy eyes, that appear to be stenciled on. Should self seed in well drained soil. Very tough.

By: Zephs

Extra large 2” cartoony flowers makes this outstanding & rare Verbascum a “must have” for any garden & it grows like a weed! Fast growing to an upright 3-5’, the long blooming spikes create a wonderful vertical presence appearing in late Spring & if cut back after bloom is spent, will send up secondary spikes in Mid-Summer. You’ll love their sweetly-scented bright lemony yellow flowers. The maroon markings – if you look closely – look a whole lot like “Yosemite Sam!” Soft, rich green foliage forms a basal rosette to 30” across. More good stuff: It self-sows is snail proof, deer proof, attracts bees & butterflies & is not fussy.

Gardening facts about Verbascum creticum plant

How to Grow Verbascum creticum

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - low
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

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

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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