Mullein

Mullein Overview

Verbascum - also known as Mullein - is a genus of many evergreen or semi-evergreen species, that can be annuals or perennials, but are most often biennials. They have soft textured basal leaves that form rosettes and smaller, stalkless, stems leaves. Flowers are saucer-shaped - most often yellow - and are borne very densely on spikes. Verbascums make a dramatic addition to any garden, and are particularly suited to cottage style or other informal planting schemes. Requiring little water when established, they also work well in sunny, dry, gravel gardens and mix well with other Mediterranean plants. They are short-lived however, so naturalising them in drifts on the edge of woodland gardens, is another planting option. Where soil is fertile and/or water is freely available, verbascums can put on a lot of growth and are likely to need support. Most cultivated verbascums are sterile, while wild mullein seeds are known to regularly seed themselves from a nearby plot! They are good for attracting wildlife including birds, bees and other pollinators.