Verbascum 'Southern Charm'
Verbascum 'Southern Charm' is an elegant upright perennial with tall flower spikes carrying softly colored blooms in shades of apricot, pink, cream, and lavender above a rosette of textured gray green foliage. Its airy vertical form brings height and gentle color to sunny borders while its long flowering season provides extended interest for pollinators.
Height & Spread: 24 - 30 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late spring through summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Dry to average well drained soil; prefers lean or sandy conditions
Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant
Native Status
This hybrid was developed from Verbascum species native to Europe and parts of Asia and Africa and is not native to North America.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts butterflies which visit the abundant flowers for nectar throughout its extended bloom period.
Bees
- Attracts honeybees, native bees, and bumblebees which forage among the pollen rich flowers.
Hummingbirds
- Can attract hummingbirds to its tall flower spikes where the abundant blooms provide an additional nectar source.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow the upright flowering stems and basal foliage to develop without crowding.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for sunny cottage gardens, perennial borders, gravel gardens, and dry slopes where its tall flower spikes provide vertical interest without creating a heavy appearance.
Companion Plants
- Agastache 'Blue Fortune' (Anise Hyssop) - Adds upright purple flower spikes and strong pollinator appeal alongside Southern Charm's softer pastel flowers.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' (Threadleaf Coreopsis) - Provides fine textured foliage and bright yellow flowers that contrast with the muted colors of the verbascum.
- Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' (Purple Coneflower) - Brings bold midsummer flowers and sturdy structure as Southern Charm continues flowering.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Meadow Sage) - Adds deep purple flower spikes that create a strong color contrast with the pastel verbascum blooms.
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Provides upright grass texture and warm seasonal color for a naturalistic sunny planting.