Gorse are usually associated with western Britain and Ireland. At its best in spring, it blooms with an explosion of yellow, the flowers have a distinctive strong coconut scent. Gorse bears some flowers year round, hence the old country phrase: “When gorse is out of blossom, kissing is out of fashion”.

One look at this species of Verbascum and you will realise why it is also called ‘Arctic Summer’. Tall, white, fleecy flower stems emerge from felted evergreen leaves in early summer. Its stems and leaves are covered in a silvery down that gives it an appearance of being permanently covered with frost.

Verbascums are statuesque in both foliage and flower. This elegant species, native to the Olympus mountains is arguably the finest of the genus. Tall flower spikes rise from the centre of the foliage, each are weighted heavily with bright, golden-yellow blooms giving the effect of an enormous candelabra.

The poise of the lovely Verbascum phoeniceum “Flush of White” makes this plant a natural candidate for the front of the border, even though its height might suggest, that it should go at the back. In summer winds, which snap off delphiniums and toss sunflowers awry, the Verbascum stands defiant.

English gardeners are very familiar with this plant and consider it essential for a well-structured garden. Verbascum phoeniceum “Hybrids Mix” flower freely, giving a glorious plethora of colours from delicate salmon to rich claret. A true perennial which can flower the first year given an early sowing.

Several Verbascum species are prized garden ornamentals, but the species best-known among wildflower enthusiasts and herbalists is the homely but useful common mullein, Verbascum thapsus. This fuzzy mullein is a gardener’s friend, an herbalist’s delight and an engineering marvel all on its own.

“Imagination’ is a verbena cultivar that is noted for its profuse bloom of violet-blue flowers, its spreading-trailing stems and its deeply cut foliage. A heat and drought tolerant plant, easily grown it performs well in hanging baskets and containers in full sun.

Verbena canadensis “Perfecta” is a rather fine, long-blooming and showy plant for the border with clusters of deep violet flowers.
With our milder winters and longer growing seasons, these have become exceptional late-season plants.

This 'Toronto' provides a lovely spread of warm silver-pink flower heads. Great ground cover or low border in front of taller perennials. A heat and drought tolerant plant that is outstanding in sunny beds. It also performs well in hanging baskets and containers.

“Toronto” is a new series of Verbena canadensis, with masses of warm lilac-rose flower heads in summer. A heat and drought tolerant plant that is outstanding in sunny beds. It performs well in hanging baskets and containers. Easily grown in full sun.

Verbena Venosa is a small and densely flowered version of Verbena with clusters of purple-pink fragrant flowers that are held in domed heads. A brilliant addition to the garden that will bloom from mid-spring right until the first cold of winter.