Verbascum nigrum
dark mullein
A rosette-forming, deciduous or semi-evergreen perennial about 90cm tall, with scalloped, long-stalked, mid to dark green leaves, slightly grey-woolly beneath, making basal clumps that produce slender racemes of warm yellow flowers with purple stamens at their centres, from midsummer to early autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Scrophulariaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Verbascum can be annuals, biennials, perennials or subshrubs mostly with hairy leaves and 5-petalled, saucer-shaped flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Usually found on calcareous, free-draining sites or disturbed ground in a sunny location. Mulleins are beneficial to wildlife as a pollen and nectar source when in flower, seeds are a food source for birds and in winter hollow stems act as a refuge for insects
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by root cuttings in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mullein moth
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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