Verbascum phlomoides

RHS Plant Profile
orange mullein

Other common names

woolly mullein

Synonyms

Verbascum australe

Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H6
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
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