Star Plant: Broussa Mullein
Verbascum bombyciferum is a drought-tolerant border biennial that forms a rocket of yellow flowers above silver leaves. Beth Chatto liked to plant them as vertical accents throughout the border, not just at the back – tall but slender, plants behind are glimpsed, creating visual interest in layers. It flowers in its second year and self-seeds around the garden. Combine it with other drought-tolerant plants: libertia, sea kale (Crambe), santolina, agapanthus, phlomis and echinops in welldrained, alkaline soil in full sun.