While the tall and aggressive biennial Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is considered an invasive, our favourite garden type is Verbascum phoeniceum "Violetta." It likes a sunny dry spot (perfect in our warming climate), and happily flowers for months. Chopping the flower stalks to their base before the last flower fades will encourage a second and third flush, and the recessive nature of Violetta's colour adds depth to our flower bed.