Verbascum ‘Merlin’

Description

Verbascum ‘Merlin’

Verbascum ‘Merlin’ is a charming mullein cultivar that brings delicate colour to the garden. This hardy perennial typically reaches heights of approximately 1 metre, producing elegant flower spikes adorned with soft pink blooms from early to mid-summer. Unlike many mulleins, ‘Merlin’ displays attractive green foliage rather than the typical grey-woolly leaves, creating a fresh appearance in mixed borders.

In UK gardens, ‘Merlin’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, demonstrating good drought tolerance once established. It particularly favours chalky or sandy soils and performs poorly in heavy, waterlogged conditions. This robust plant is fully hardy and requires minimal maintenance, though deadheading spent flower spikes encourages continued blooming and maintains a tidy appearance.

‘Merlin’ works beautifully in cottage gardens, mixed borders, and naturalistic plantings. Its moderate height makes it perfect for mid-border positions, whilst the unusual pink flowers provide a softer alternative to the typical yellow mulleins. As a sterile variety, it won’t self-seed, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who prefer controlled plantings without the risk of unwanted seedlings spreading throughout the garden.