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Verbascum '(Cotswold Group) Pink Domino'

Mullein

• Position: full sun
• Soil: poor, well-drained, alkaline soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June to August
• Hardiness: fully hardy

  
  Dreamy spires of saucer-shaped deep rose-pink flowers from early to late summer above dark purplish-green leaves. This stunning rose-pink mullein is perfect for a sunny border or cottage garden. The vertical spires contrast well with the rounded flowerheads of pink peonies, such as Peonia lactiflora 'Madame Lemoine' or 'Sarah Bernhardt'.

• Garden care: Apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch around the base of the plant in autumn to protect from winter extremes, taking care not to cover the crown. Stake in spring with bamboo canes or twiggy prunings before the flowers appear. Mullein moth caterpillars can be a problem, pick off the insects in early June as soon as they appear. Remove faded flower spikes.
  
  It is worth keeping in mind that these plants are mainly biennial, so although they usually self-seed freely, the plant will only live for two years.