perennial

Cotswold King Mullein

Verbascum thapsus 'Cotswold King'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

42 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate, drought-tolerant once established

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Short-lived perennial

Native To

Mediterranean region

Toxicity

Non-toxic to pets and humans

The Story

Plant Bio

Verbascum 'Cotswold King' is a short-lived perennial with a basal rosette of fuzzy leaves and tall spikes of bright yellow flowers. This cultivar is known for its robust stature and prolific blooming, creating a striking vertical element in garden designs.

Uses & Benefits:

Verbascum thapsus 'Cotswold King' provides striking vertical accents with its tall, yellow flower spikes, attracting pollinators and adding visual interest.

Its drought tolerance makes it ideal for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens.

Supports beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, contributing to pollinator health.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds shallowly into well-draining soil in early spring.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
Water consistently during the first growing season to establish roots.
Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth.
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support vigorous flowering.
Stake taller plants to prevent toppling in windy areas.

Pro Tip

Sow seeds directly outdoors for the best natural growth and early bloom.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry spells to promote strong roots 🌱
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooming
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Prune after flowering to maintain shape

Don't

Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
Don’t fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers, as it promotes excessive foliage
Refrain from disturbing roots during early growth stages
Do not plant in poorly drained soil to prevent waterlogging

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Tall, silvery‑foliaged hedgeVanilla‑scented borderWildflower meadow accent

Companion Plants

Echinacea Lavandula Salvia Coreopsis Rudbeckia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cotswold King Mullein questions

What zones can Cotswold King Mullein grow in?

Cotswold King Mullein is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Cotswold King Mullein deer resistant?

Yes — Cotswold King Mullein is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Cotswold King Mullein bloom?

Cotswold King Mullein typically blooms in early to mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Cotswold King Mullein need full sun?

Cotswold King Mullein does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Cotswold King Mullein drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cotswold King Mullein handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.