Verbascum

( ver - BASK - um )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of biennials and perennials, commonly called Mullein, needs full sun and moderate water to perform and bloom well. They form basal rosettes or tufts of foliage and bloom in summertime, sending up spikes of dense flowers. Foliage is commonly covered in hairs, and flowers range in color from yellow (the most common) to orange, reddish-brown, purple, and blue, to white. Most species are native to Europe and Asia, with the highest species diversity occurring in the Mediterranean region. Use Mullein as taller plants at the back of flower beds, in mixed borders, or in pollinator gardens. Take care when planting these in the garden, as the fine hairs on foliage can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.

Verbascum Species and Varietals

The genus Verbascum includes over 450 distinct species of flowering plants, and is a member of the Figwort family, Scrophulariaceae. Mullein growing zones vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

​Verbascum blattaria (Moth Mullein)
This species is biennial, and grows in zones 1-11 and 14-24. It is native from Europe to central Asia and North Africa, and reaches 6 feet tall and 2 feet wide with large, dark green basal leaves. Flowers are yellow or creamy white, and a variety also comes with pink flowers. These plants are considered weeds in some areas of the United States, so check with local authorities before installing.

Verbascum bugulifolium 
Native to Bulgaria and western Turkey, these plants reach between 6 and 30 inches tall, and form a basal rosette of foliage. Stems bear small leaves. Flowers are yellow to blue-green in color with purplish lines.

Verbascum bombyciferum 'Arctic Summer' ('Polarsommer')
This variety is biennial and grows best in zones 2-11 and 14-24. It is native to Turkey and grows to 6 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with furry greyish green leaves and yellow flowers.

Verbascum chaixii (Nettle-Leaved Mullein)
This perennial species is best in zones 2-11 and 14-24; native to Europe. It has pale yellow flowers with red eyes. Varieties include 'Album' (pictured, with white flowers that have purple centers), 'Sixteen Candles' (with yellow blooms that have purple eyes), and 'Pink Domino'.

Verbascum dumulosum
Best in zones 7-9 and 14-24, this perennial reaches a foot tall and a little wider, with velvety white foliage. Flowers bloom on short, branching spikes and are yellow with purple centers. Hybrid varietal 'Letita' blooms over a longer period in summertime.
Verbascum hybridum
This species grows well in zones 3-10 and 14-24, and most need to be grown from seed. Varieties are listed and described below.
'Banana Custard'
This biennial reaches 5-6 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with bright yellow flowers. 
Benary & Cotswold Hybrids
These perennials come in white, cream, pink, and purple. Varieties 'Helen Johnson' (with peach pink flowers) and 'Pink Domino' (with bright pink flowers).
'Copper Rose'
Perennial that reaches 4-6 feet tall and 2 feet wide, and flowers come in buff, apricot, rose, or tan. Sow in late winter or early spring. 
'Sierra Sunset'
This variety is perennial and forms foliage rosettes 8 inches tall and 3 feet wide, with downy leaves Flowers can be salmon, melon, and rose.

Verbascum lychnitis (White Mullein)
These plants, native to Asian and Europe, have naturalized in some areas of North America. They produce white or yellow flowers, and are biennials or short-lived perennials that typically colonize disturbed soils. Leaves are greyish green.

Verbascum nigrum (Black Mullein, Dark Mullein)
This species is native to dry, open areas in temperate Europe, and reaches between 1.6 and 4.9 feet tall when in bloom. Clumps of basal green leaves give rise to flowering stems that hold yellow flowers with purple stamens. Blooms are present for a long period in summer and early fall. This species is cultivated as an ornamental garden plant.

​Verbascum olympicum (Greek Mullein, Olympian Mullein, Olympic Mullein)
This perennial grows well in zones 3-10 and 14-24 and is native to Greece and northwestern Turkey. It reaches about 5-7 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with soft white leaves and bright yellow flowers.

Verbascum phlomoides (Orange Mullein, Woolly Mullein, Clasping-Leaf Mullein)
This species is native to Europe and Asia Minor, and is a widespread weed in North America. They produce upright stalks of bright yellow flowers that remain through the summer season, and large green leaves that are also present up the height of the stems. These are great pollinator-attracting additions to garden landscapes.

​Verbascum phoeniceum (Purple Mullein)
This species, native to central Europe, central Asia, and western China, is best when grown in zones 1-10 and 14-24, and is a perennial. It reaches 2-4 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide, and has dark green leaves and purple flowers. Variety 'Violetta' reaches 2-3 feet tall with deep purple flowers.

Verbascum sinuatum (Scallop-Leaved Mullein, Wavyleaf Mullein, Candela Regia)
These plants grow in the heavy soils in central Asia and the Mediterranean, and reach between 4 and 5 feet tall when mature and in bloom. Wintertime foliage rosettes give rise to flowering stems in springtime, which hold yellow flowers that remain on the plant from May through October. 

Verbascum speciosum (Hungarian Mullein, Showy Mullein)
These plants are native to eastern Europe and western Asia, and are known in many other areas around the globe as roadside weeds. These are biennial herbaceous plants that produce large-leaved rosettes and stems topped with yellow flowers.

Verbascum thapsus (Great Mullein, Greater Mullein, Common Mullein)
This species is native to Europe, northern Africa, and Asia, and is an introduced species in the Americas and Australia. These hairy biennials reach over six and a half feet tall when in bloom, and produce yellow flowers with orange anthers. 

Caring for Verbascum

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: List of Verbascum Species
Wikipedia: Verbascum
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 645 - 646, Verbascum
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