What hardiness zones is Verbascum roripifolium suitable for?

Verbascum roripifolium is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Verbascum roripifolium?

Verbascum roripifolium requires Full Sun.

How much water does Verbascum roripifolium need?

Verbascum roripifolium has Low water needs.

Verbascum roripifolium (Watercress-Leaved Mullein)

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Perennials

Verbascum roripifolium

Watercress-Leaved Mullein

Scrophulariaceae Turkey

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitUpright

FoliageSemi-evergreen

Height24-36 inches (60-90 cm)

Width12-18 inches (30-45 cm)

Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9

Zone 5 Zone 6 Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

What's my zone? →

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Verbascum roripifolium is a Turkish mullein with foliage atypical for the genus — dark green, glossy, deeply lobed leaves that resemble watercress (Rorippa) rather than the typical fuzzy gray-green leaves of common mulleins. The species name 'roripifolium' means 'watercress-leaved'. Plants grow 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall and 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) wide. Bright yellow flowers in slender terminal spikes appear from June through July. The glossy, deeply lobed dark green foliage carries a fundamentally different texture and colour from the woolly gray rosettes typical of the genus — this mullein could be mistaken for an entirely different plant family based on foliage alone. Reliably perennial in well-drained soil. Semi-evergreen basal rosette. The combination of bright yellow candle-like spikes above dark, glossy, deeply cut foliage gives a sharp visual contrast. Well-drained, lean soil in full sun. Deer avoid the foliage.

Native Range

Verbascum roripifolium is native to Turkey.

Suggested Uses

Used in borders, collector's gardens, and as a conversation piece. The atypical mullein foliage breaks expectations for the genus. The glossy dark leaves contrast with typical gray-leaved border companions.

How to Identify

Identified by bright yellow flower spikes above dark green glossy deeply lobed watercress-like foliage. The glossy, deeply lobed leaves are completely unlike the typical fuzzy gray mullein foliage — this leaf form is the primary diagnostic. The species name 'roripifolium' (watercress-leaved) confirms the identification.