Question
Planted in early May.  Has grown to 4 1/2 ft. in diameter.  Beautiful, huge, soft fuzzy leaves, no sign of flowering.  Does it need another year before flowering?  Or should I be feeding it something invigorating? This speciman was purchased at Powell Garden near Kansas City.  THANKS!

Answer
Hi Meredith,
Thanx for your question.  Congratulations on your plant from Powell Gardens.  Kansas City is fortunate to have a treasure like Powell Gardens so close by.  I have taken some horticultural classes there several years ago.

Verbascum phoeniceum is a biennial or short-lived perennial.  Your plant is probably in its first year of growth so it will not bloom this year.  Look for blooming next season.

Bienniels send up green growth the first year and then go dormant in the winter.  They come back up the second year, bloom, set seed and die.

Perennials send up green growth the first year and then go dormant in the winter.  They come back the second year and will usually bloom the second year, set seed and continue to live for several years up to 60 or more years depenending upon variety.

I hope this helps.
Tom