Verbascum lychnitis
white mullein
A biennial or short-lived perennial forming a rosette of lance-shaped, mid-green leaves which may overwinter. In mid- to late summer produces a strongly upright, branched, flowering spike bearing yellow or white, saucer-shaped blooms
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Scrophulariaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Clump forming
- Genus
Verbascum can be annuals, biennials, perennials or subshrubs mostly with hairy leaves and 5-petalled, saucer-shaped flowers
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Best in poor, well-drained, alkaline soil in full sun. In fertile soils, it can grow large and need support
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to caterpillars and figwort weevil
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
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