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Herbaceous Perennial

Verbascum nigrum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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

Other common names
black-rooted mullein
tall mullein
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H6
Botanical 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

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