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Verbascum nigrum (Dark Mullein)

Dark Mullein, Black-Rooted Mullein, Tall Mullein

Verbascum nigrum, Dark Mullein, Black-Rooted Mullein, Tall Mullein, Yellow flowers, Architectural plants, Vertical Plants, Deer Tolerant perennials,Olympic Mullein

Verbascum nigrum (Dark Mullein) is a biennial or short-lived perennial boasting numerous stately spikes of golden-yellow flowers adorned with purple stamens. They bloom in succession over a long period extending from early summer to early fall, if deadheaded. The flower stalks rise majestically from a low-growing rosette of large, heart-shaped, semi-evergreen, dark green leaves. Easy to please, this ornamental Mullein is perfect for cottage gardens, rock gardens or wildlife gardens. While short-lived, Dark Mullein keeps its presence in the garden through reseeding and reliably comes back each summer.

  • Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 2 ft. wide (60 cm).
  • Enjoys full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. It is not fussy about soils, but good drainage is essential. Alkaline soils are preferred and acid soils should be avoided.
  • Provides a lovely vertical accent in the garden. Very useful and adaptable, it is well suited for cottage gardens, rock gardens, or wildlife gardens.
  • Drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant. It is fairly pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for mullein moth.
  • Attracts scores of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. Hungry birds happily feast on the seeds.
  • Deadhead to prevent seeding and to promote rebloom.
  • Propagate by seed.
  • Native to Europe, Asia.

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 6 - 9
Plant Type Annuals, Perennials
Plant Family Scrophulariaceae
Genus Verbascum
Common names Mullein
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Verbascum ‘Dark Eyes’ (Mullein)
Verbascum thapsus (Common Mullein)
Verbascum bombyciferum (Giant Silver Mullein)
Verbascum ‘Honey Dijon’ (Mullein)
Verbascum ‘Plum Smokey’ (Mullein)
Verbascum ‘Gold Nugget’ (Mullein)

Recommended Companion Plants

Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian)
Saponaria officinalis (Soapwort)
Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ears)
Eryngium planum ‘Blue Cap’ (Flat Sea Holly)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Verbascum (Mullein)
For the Love of Bees: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
Native Plant Alternatives to Verbascum thapsus (Common Mullein)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 6 - 9
Plant Type Annuals, Perennials
Plant Family Scrophulariaceae
Genus Verbascum
Common names Mullein
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Verbascum (Mullein)
Guides with
Verbascum (Mullein)
Not sure which Verbascum (Mullein) to pick?
Compare Now

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