If you love the look of foxglove and delphinium let us introduce you to Verbascum—a graceful and garden-worthy solution for full sun and poorer soils with good drainage.

This upright bloomer is drought tolerant, low-maintenance, and deer-resistant, with spires of soft, fluttery flowers that add vertical interest to summer beds. While it prefers lean soils and dislikes wet feet, Verbascum thrives in lighter, drier conditions where other tall bloomers might fail. Rich soils may encourage too much leafy growth, resulting in floppy or sprawling stems, so go easy on the compost.

Once established, plants require little care. Older plants may not transplant well, but seedlings are easy to move where you want them—and yes, it may self-sow (but in a polite, non-invasive way). If you’d prefer to control reseeding, just snip back spent flower stalks to the basal foliage to encourage another flush of blooms.

Peak bloom? Mid to late summer—right when your garden needs a second wind.

Available now in our perennial section:

  • Wedding Candles – crisp white and stately (our favorite!)

  • Royalty – a regal mix of plum and purple hues

  • Plum Smokey – dusky mauve with a soft, smoky edge

  • Southern Charm – soft apricot to lavender blend, a classic cottage favorite

Come explore Verbascum’s versatility for sun-drenched spaces—these beauties won’t last long!

…And Here’s a Fun Feature:
On hot afternoons, Verbascum flowers may curl up and close to conserve energy—only to unfurl again in the cooler hours. It’s a smart adaptation and a beautiful reminder that these plants are as resilient as they are charming. Don’t worry—it’s not a sign of stress, just another way Verbascum rolls with the heat.