Verbascum chaixii 'Wedding Candles'
wedding candles mullein
Garden selection; species {Verbascum chaixii} is native to southern and central Europe
Overview
Verbascum chaixii 'Wedding Candles' is a white-flowered mullein with contrasting purple stamens, growing 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall and 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) wide. The cultivar name 'Wedding Candles' describes both the pure white colour and the tall, slender candle-like spike form. Pure white five-petaled flowers with fuzzy purple stamens at the centre appear in tall slender spikes from June through July; the white-and-purple bicolour gives a refined look distinct from the wild yellow mullein of roadsides. The species V. chaixii returns reliably as a perennial in well-drained soil — many other mulleins are biennial (blooming once and dying), while V. chaixii persists for multiple years. Gray-green large textured leaves form a semi-evergreen basal rosette year-round. Cutting back the main spike after bloom encourages secondary side spikes for extended flowering. May self-sow lightly. Well-drained, lean soil in full sun — rich or wet conditions produce floppy, short-lived plants. Deer avoid the textured foliage.
Native Range
The species Verbascum chaixii is native to southern and central Europe. 'Wedding Candles' is a garden selection for white flowers with purple stamens.Suggested Uses
Used in borders, cottage gardens, gravel gardens, and as a vertical accent. The white candle-like spikes add height to mid-border positions. The reliably perennial habit (uncommon in mulleins) suits long-term planting commitments. Container culture (5 gallons / 19 liters). The bicolour white-and-purple pairs with formal and wedding-themed plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowering in June and July, approximately 5 weeks. White spikes with purple stamens. Secondary spikes extend bloom if the main spike is cut back.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pure white with fuzzy purple stamens, in tall slender spikesFoliage Description
Gray-green, large, textured, forming a basal rosetteGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun. Lean, well-drained soil. Heavy fertilization causes floppy growth. Cut back main spike after bloom for secondary side spikes. May self-sow — remove spent spikes if unwanted seedlings are a concern.Pruning
Cut back main flower spike after bloom for secondary spikes. Clean up basal rosette in early spring.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons