Verbascum phlomoides
orange mullein
A biennial with pointed, grey-green, hairy leaves producing an evergreen basal rosette up to 60cm across. A leafy flower spike, to 1.8m tall, produces large, closely-packed yellow blooms from early to late summer
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
AlkalineColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
ExposedDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Scrophulariaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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 to C Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in poor, alkaline, well-drained soil in full sun. A drought-tolerant plant, it grows large and needs support in fertile soils (see staking perennials)
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or early summer, or by root cuttings in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove faded flower spikes
Pests
May be susceptible to mullein moth caterpillars and figwort weevil
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.