Verbascum olympicum (Olympic Mullein)

Adding drama to the landscape, Verbascum olympicum (Olympic Mullein) is a short-lived perennial that forms a tall and spectacular candelabra of flowering spikes, smothered with golden-yellow blossoms, 1 in. across (2.5 cm). Blooming in succession over a long period extending from early to late summer, the flower stalks rise majestically from a low-growing, wide rosette of silvery-gray, felted, semi-evergreen leaves, which can reach 1 foot long (30 cm). Easy to please, this hardy perennial is regarded as one of the most desirable of the genus. It is native to Southern Greece and the Olympus mountains in Turkey.

• Adding architectural interest to the garden, this ornamental Mullein grows up to 6-10 ft. tall (180-300 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-120 cm). Greek Mullein tends to be short-lived, usually dying once flowering ends. However, seeds are produced in profusion and scattered nearby.
• Performs best in full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. It is not fussy about soils and tolerates poor soils, but good drainage is essential. Plants grown in fertile soils grow taller and may require staking.
• Drought tolerant and deer resistant, it is fairly pest and disease free. Watch, however, for caterpillars, figwort weevil and powdery mildew.
• Attracts scores of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. Hungry birds happily feast on the seeds.
• Provides a lovely vertical accent in the garden. Very useful and adaptable, it is well suited for borders and beds, gravel gardens, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, and wildlife gardens. Excellent as cut flowers too!
• Remove spent flower spikes before seed sets to promote further blooms and to avoid undesired self-seeding in the garden. Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in late spring to early summer. Propagate by division in early spring or fall.