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Verbascum thapsus (Common Mullein)

Great Mullein, Aaron's Rod, Adam's Flannel, Beggar's Blanket, Blanket Leaf, Bullock's Lungwort, Candlewick, Clown's Lungwort, Common Mullein, Cow's Lungwort, Duffle, Felt, Feltwort, Flannel, Flannel Leaf, Flannel Plant, Fluffweed, Hag Taper, Hag's Taper, Hare's Beard, Hedge Taper, High Taper, Jacob's Staff, Jupiter's Staff, King's Taper, Lady's Candles, Lady's Foxglove, Lamb's Wool, Light of the Lord, Lucernaria, Mullein Dock, Old Man's Flannel, Rag Paper, Shepherd's Club, Torch Lily, Torches, Velvet Dock, Velvet Leaf, Velvet Plant, White Mullein, Woollens, Woundweed

Verbascum thapsus,Great Mullein, Aaron's Rod, Adam's Flannel, Beggar's Blanket, Blanket Leaf, Bullock's Lungwort, Candlewick, Yellow flowers, Architectural plants, Vertical Plants, Deer Tolerant perennials,
Verbascum thapsus,Great Mullein, Aaron's Rod, Adam's Flannel, Beggar's Blanket, Blanket Leaf, Bullock's Lungwort, Candlewick, Yellow flowers, Architectural plants, Vertical Plants, Deer Tolerant perennials,

Verbascum thapsus (Common Mullein) is a densely woolly, sturdy biennial forming a rosette of large, soft, densely-hairy, silver-green leaves, 6-15 in. long (15-37 cm) in its first year. Rising from the center of the rosette, a tall flower spike bearing a succession of 5-lobed, saucer-shaped, yellow flowers, appears in the second year. They bloom from early summer to early fall and give way to egg-shaped, downy seed capsules. Common Mullein dies once flowering ends. However, seeds are produced in profusion. Individual plants produce 200-300 seed capsules, each containing 500-800 seeds. Native to Eurasia, Common Mullein has naturalized throughout most of North America. It is found in many habitats, occurring primarily in disturbed soils in full sun. Generally not an aggressively invasive species in some areas, it is listed as a noxious weed in Colorado and Hawaii.

  • Grows up to 2-7 ft. tall (60-210 cm) and 18-30 in. wide (45-75 cm). May need support.
  • Enjoys full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. It is not fussy about soils and tolerates poor dry soils. However, good drainage is essential. Alkaline soils are preferred and acid soils should be avoided. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Attracts scores of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. Deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Well suited for beds and borders, cottage gardens, gravel gardens, or prairies and meadows.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for spider mites, weevils, slugs, or powdery mildew.
  • Propagate by seed or division in spring.
  • Native to Europe, Asia.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Scrophulariaceae
Genus Verbascum
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 7'
(60cm - 210cm)
Spread 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 30"
(60cm - 80cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Verbascum 'Dark Eyes', Dark Eyes Mullein, Yellow flowers, Architectural plants, Vertical Plants, Deer Tolerant perennials,
Verbascum 'Jackie in Pink', Jackie in Pink Mullein, Pink flowers, Architectural plants, Vertical Plants, Deer Tolerant perennials,
Verbascum bombyciferum, Broussa Mullein, Turkish Mullein, Giant Silver Mullein, Yellow flowers,  Architectural plants, Vertical Plants, Deer Tolerant perennials,
Verbascum 'Honey Dijon', Honey Dijon Mullein, Orange flowers, Yellow flowers,  Architectural plants, Vertical Plants, Deer Tolerant perennials,
Verbascum 'Plum Smokey', Plum Smokey Mullein, Purple flowers, Architectural plants, Vertical Plants, Deer Tolerant perennials,
Verbascum 'Gold Nugget', Gold Nugget Mullein, Yellow flowers,  Architectural plants, Vertical Plants, Deer Tolerant perennials,

Recommended Companion Plants

Verbena Bonariensis, Tall Verbena, Purpletop Vervain, Brazilian Verbena, Upright Verbena, Purple summer flowers, Drought Tolerant plant, purple flowersAGM Award
Inula helenium, Elecampane,  Allicampane, Elf Dock, Else Dock, Elf Wort, Enula Campana, Horse Elder, Horse Heal, Scabwort, Wild Sunflower, Yellow Starwort, Yellow Flowers
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 3 - 9
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Scrophulariaceae
Genus Verbascum
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 7'
(60cm - 210cm)
Spread 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 30"
(60cm - 80cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Learn Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Verbascum
Guides with
Verbascum
Not sure which Verbascum to pick?
Compare Now

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