Verbascum, Genus, ×, Hybrid, 'Plum Smokey', Cultivar,
- Genus
- Hybrid
- Cultivar
Plum Smokey mullein
Overview
Verbascum × 'Plum Smokey' is a hybrid mullein with a smoky plum-purple flower colour, growing 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall and 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) wide. Smoky plum-purple to dusty mauve flowers in slender spikes appear from June through July — a colour that breaks from the yellow, white, and apricot tones typical of the genus. The 'Smokey' in the name describes the muted, hazy quality of the plum colour — not a vivid purple but a dusted, atmospheric tone reminiscent of wood smoke or aged velvet. This muted quality pairs well with silver, gray, and other subdued companions in moody garden schemes. Gray-green textured basal rosette. May be short-lived — allowing self-sowing supports persistence. Well-drained, lean soil in full sun. Deer avoid the textured foliage.
Native Range
Verbascum × 'Plum Smokey' is a garden hybrid.Suggested Uses
Used in moody, atmospheric border schemes. The smoky plum colour pairs with silver and gray companions. Cottage gardens and gravel gardens. Container culture (5 gallons / 19 liters).How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowering in June and July, approximately 5 weeks. Smoky plum-purple spikes.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Smoky plum-purple to dusty mauve, in slender spikesFoliage Description
Gray-green, 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. May be short-lived — allow self-sowing. Cut back main spike for secondary spikes.Pruning
Cut back main spike after bloom. Clean up rosette in early spring.Pruning Schedule
Prune: August
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons
