Verbascum 'Violetta'

One of our favorite mulleins is this richly colored violet-magenta variety, its blooms putting on a huge show in late spring and early summer, then repeating at summer's end if cut back promptly. Each petal is a bit curled or twisted, creating a windmill look of constant motion on sturdy 3-foot stalks. Perfect for cutting and irresistible in the garden, this carefree Verbascum needs a home in your sunny garden!

The flowers have a crepe papery look and plenty of rich, non-fading color, which will be darker purple in cooler climates, more fuchsia or magenta in warmer. The blooms open from huge, fat buds that are nearly as charming as the flowers themselves, and their central cluster of golden stamens is eye-catching even from across the garden. Expect about six to 10 flowering stems on each plant, for plenty of towering color.

Mullein is a truly trouble-free perennial, and today's newest varieties offer bigger flowers, smaller sizes, and brighter colors than ever before. The large, crinkly foliage forms a generous rosette along the garden floor, as if carpeting the ground beneath its lovely blooms. And the flowers open slowly from the bottom up, giving you fresh blooms every few days for several weeks from a single stalk.

Give 'Violetta' a season to get established in your garden, then watch how rugged and self-reliant this breezy, airy-looking plant really is. It stands up to heat, drought, and humidity without a problem, and doesn't mind poor or dry soils. A great choice for the middle of a garden bed, mid to rear of the border, or in great stands along the driveway or garden path. Fall in love with no-maintenance gardening by adding 'Violetta' to your landscape this season! Zones 4-8.