Verbascum 'Dark Eyes' ®

Key Features of Verbascum 'Dark Eyes'

• Height: 60-90 cm (2-3 feet)
• Spread: 30-60 cm (1-2 feet)
• Foliage: Grey-green rosettes of basal leaves
• Flower Color: Yellow blooms with dark purple centers
• Flowering Period: Early summer to midsummer
• Position: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil
• Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 5-9

Planting Verbascum 'Dark Eyes'

1. Location and Light

Verbascum 'Dark Eyes' thrives in sunny locations, where it can get at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate partial shade but will produce fewer flowers in lower light conditions. Plant it in a sunny spot in your garden to achieve the best display of blooms.

2. Soil Conditions

• Well-Drained Soil: Verbascum prefers well-draining soil, as it does not tolerate soggy conditions. It is ideal for sandy, loamy, or chalky soils. Avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soils.
• Soil pH: It thrives in neutral to alkaline soils, making it suitable for most garden beds. If you have acidic soil, consider amending it with lime to raise the pH to a more favorable level for this plant.

3. Planting Instructions

• Spacing: Space plants approximately 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) apart to allow for good air circulation. This will reduce the risk of fungal diseases and provide ample room for growth.
• Planting Depth: Dig a hole twice the size of the plant's root ball and ensure the crown (where the roots meet the stems) is level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water well to help the plant establish.
• Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Continue to keep the soil lightly moist while the plant establishes, typically for the first few weeks.

Maintenance Tips for Verbascum 'Dark Eyes'

Verbascum 'Dark Eyes' is a relatively low-maintenance plant, requiring only a few basic care steps to ensure it flourishes year after year.

1. Watering

• Watering Frequency: Once established, Verbascum 'Dark Eyes' is quite drought-tolerant and only needs watering during prolonged dry spells. Water deeply when the soil is dry to the touch, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.
• Avoid Overwatering: These plants prefer drier conditions, so avoid overwatering, particularly in winter, when the plant's growth slows.

2. Feeding

• Fertilizing Needs: Verbascum 'Dark Eyes' does not require heavy feeding. In fact, excessive fertilizing can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers. A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring can help promote healthy growth and flowering, but it's often unnecessary in fertile soils.
• Organic Mulch: Apply a thin layer of compost or organic mulch around the base of the plant in early spring. This will help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and add nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.

3. Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadheading: To encourage continuous blooming, deadhead faded flowers by snipping off spent flower spikes. This not only extends the flowering season but also helps prevent the plant from self-seeding excessively.
• Cutting Back: After the flowering season is over, you can cut back the spent flower spikes and foliage to the base. This will tidy up the plant and encourage fresh growth for the next season.

4. Division and Propagation

• Propagation: Verbascum 'Dark Eyes' can be propagated by division or from seed. Division is best done in spring or autumn. Simply dig up the plant, carefully divide the root clumps, and replant in a sunny location.
• Self-Seeding: This variety of Verbascum can self-seed freely. If you want to control its spread, remove the flower spikes before the seeds ripen. Alternatively, let it self-seed to naturalize in a wildflower meadow or cottage garden setting.

5. Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Verbascum 'Dark Eyes' is relatively pest-free, but it can occasionally be affected by aphids or slugs. To control aphids, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or use a strong stream of water to knock them off. For slug control, place slug pellets or barriers around the plants.
• Diseases: The plant can be susceptible to root rot if planted in waterlogged conditions. Good drainage is essential to prevent fungal diseases. Ensure proper spacing between plants to promote airflow and prevent powdery mildew.

Seasonal Care for Verbascum 'Dark Eyes'

Spring

• Watering: Water well during dry spells as new growth begins.
• Fertilizing: Apply a light dose of balanced fertilizer if necessary.
• Deadheading: Begin deadheading faded flowers to encourage new blooms.

Summer

• Flowering Season: Enjoy the stunning display of yellow blooms with dark purple centers.
• Watering: Water only during dry periods, as the plant is drought-tolerant once established.

Autumn

• Cutting Back: Cut back spent flower spikes and tidy up the plant once the flowering season is over.
• Division: If needed, divide clumps in autumn and replant in well-draining soil.

Winter

• Dormancy: Verbascum 'Dark Eyes' will enter dormancy in winter. There's no need to water during this period, and the plant will begin to regrow when the warmer weather returns.

Key Maintenance Summary for Verbascum 'Dark Eyes'

• Height: 60-90 cm (2-3 feet)
• Spread: 30-60 cm (1-2 feet)
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Watering: Water during dry spells, but allow soil to dry between waterings
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
• Fertilizing: Light fertilization in early spring if needed
• Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering, cut back in autumn
• Pests/Diseases: Generally pest-free, but watch for aphids and slugs

Conclusion

Verbascum 'Dark Eyes' is a showy perennial that brings a touch of elegance and vertical interest to any garden with its stunning blooms and upright growth habit. Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, this plant is perfect for gardeners seeking a beautiful yet easy-to-care-for addition to their borders. By following these simple care guidelines, you can enjoy a long-lasting display of vibrant flowers year after year.

• Size
  2L

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