Verbascum bombyciferum
Broussa mullein
A biennial, or short-lived, evergreen perennial covered with silky, silver hairs. The basal rosette of leaves may be up to 60cm across; the sulphur yellow flowers, 4cm across, are sparsely borne on a densely woolly stem up to 1.8m tall, in 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 | Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Yellow | Grey Silver | |
| Autumn | Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
ExposedDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Scrophulariaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
- Turkey
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
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
- Gravel garden
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- 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
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