Verbascum hybridum, ‘Southern Charm

Beautiful and unusual variety with long flowering spikes in subtle yet eye-catching shades of peach, pink, lilac and apricot, each individual flower with a darker eye. The tall stems are excellent for cutting. 3ft (90cm)

Germination Instructions

Sow direct in autumn approx. 2 months before 1st frost. Sow thinly into prepared soil. Once germinated thin to 45cm spacing. Can be sown indoors Feb-Mar. Surface sow into deep pots or root trainers filled with moist well-drained seed compost. Allow 3cm between seeds. Just cover the seeds with a fine layer of soil or vermiculite. Keep moist. Propagate 15-18°C. Germination takes 2-4 weeks. After germination reduce moisture allowing soil to dry out a little. When seedlings are large enough to handle transplant to 8cm pots. Acclimatise and plant out once danger of frost has passed with 60cm spacing.

Growing Instructions

This is a short-lived perennial lasting 2-3 years in the garden. Prefers full sun in a moist well-drained soil. Will tolerate any ordinary soil, even poor soil. Offer mulch protection during winter. Fertilise if desired, but this may cause leaf growth at the expense of flower growth.

Cultivation Instructions

To encourage repeat blooming remove the central flower stalk after initial flowering. Cut just above where the side shoots are forming with a sharp knife. Will self-seed, although the plant is a short-lived perennial this should offer a continual presence in the garden. May also be propagated via root cuttings taken in early spring.