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Annual Biennial

Verbascum blattaria
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

moth mullein

A biennial with crinkly, lobed, dark green leaves producing an evergreen basal rosette up to 40cm across. A narrow, branched flower spike, to 1.2m tall, produces widely-spaced, lemon-yellow blooms with purple centres from early summer to early autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Exposed
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical 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
C & S Europe

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
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • 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

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