Most plants do not like to be planted at a different depth than they were originally grown. It may even kill the plant. I like my verbascums at the back of the garden so I can see them behind the other plants. Isn't there somewhere you can plant them where their height would be an advantage?

Well, what verbascums are they? None of the ones I grow now get anywhere near 6 feet tall, not even four feet. The only verbascum I ever grew (many years ago) that got 6 feet tall was a biennial whose name I cannot remember.

Ontnative,
I think you misunderstood : ) She does not want to bury the plant way down in the soil. She wants to put the pot directly into the soil to constrict the roots since plants in pots do not often reach their full size because of the constriction.

Penny,
I'm not sure if it would work for verbascum. It might, but as Laceyvail said it is best to know what kinds they are. Many do not grow very tall at all.
Remy

Penny I have the native verbascum growing at the edge of my orchard and they do usually reach 6 feet. Your idea is worth a try, but I think the roots will grow right through the drain holes. Is is possible to restrict any water to the plant and cause a shortening of the growing season? Al

I realize the roots would come out of the pot holes, but the person I got the plants from said they get 6 ft tall. Since they need regular watering, I thought the bed I picked would work. This one has a yellow flower with reddish center and I was able to ID it on yahoo as Wavyleaf Mullein (Verbascum sinuatum) Is this a native? I have a drought tolerant habitat I am developing and originally though about putting in there.

Thanks for all the information.

napapen,

None of the verbascums are natives. All are from regions of Europe or Asia. Common mullein (V. thapsus) and Moth mullein (V. blattaria) are common all over most of the USA however. The latter is commonly found as two different color forms: a white with purple tints and a great yellow.

I always let a few plants of common mullein stay in my beds every year as the leaves are spectacular and the butterflies love the flowers. 6 foot is on the small side for a well grown one with 8 foot fairly common.

George