Verbascum ‘Merlin’

Description

Verbascum ‘Merlin’ is a semi-evergreen perennial admired for its downy grey-green foliage and tall spires of dusky pink, purple-flushed flowers. Moreover, its elegant height and long flowering season make it a superb choice for sunny borders and cottage-style planting.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

Plant Verbascum ‘Merlin’ when the soil is workable and beginning to retain gentle warmth. At this stage, roots establish more efficiently and, as a result, the plant settles quickly before producing strong flowering stems.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Choose a position in full sun. Adequate light, therefore, ensures sturdy growth and richly coloured flower spikes on Verbascum ‘Merlin’.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential. Improving heavier ground with grit or compost helps prevent waterlogging and supports healthy root development.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and equal in depth to give roots space to spread.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost and fine grit into the excavated soil to improve drainage and structure.
3. Planting: Position the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the soil surface, then backfill and firm gently.
4. Water After Planting: Water thoroughly to settle the soil and support early establishment of Verbascum ‘Merlin’.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between sessions. Consequently, this encourages deeper root growth and stability.
• Dormant Period: Reduce watering once growth slows, supporting the plant’s natural growth rhythm.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a light, balanced fertiliser to encourage strong leafy growth and flower stem development.
• Mid-Season: Additionally, a gentle supplementary feed can help maintain flowering performance.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Deadheading: Remove spent flower spikes to encourage further blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. This also redirects energy back into Verbascum ‘Merlin’.
• Foliage Care: Leave the basal rosette intact, as it helps support the plant’s structure.

Mulching

• Spring Mulch: Apply a thin organic mulch to suppress weeds and improve soil structure.
• Protective Mulch: Keep mulch light and free-draining to avoid excess moisture around the crown.

Final Tips

Verbascum ‘Merlin’ is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that thrives in bright, well-drained positions. Plant it where height and colour can be appreciated, avoid overly wet soil, and Verbascum ‘Merlin’ will reward you with dramatic flower spires throughout the summer.