Common Mullein

Verbascum thapsus, the Common Mullein, is a statuesque biennial that commands attention with its dramatic towering spires of bright yellow flowers. In its first year, it forms a large, silvery-grey rosette of soft, felted leaves, followed by the impressive flower spike in its second year, reaching up to 2 metres in height. This architectural plant is perfect for adding vertical interest to dry borders, gravel gardens, or wilder parts of the garden, attracting a variety of pollinators. It thrives in full sun and very well-drained, even poor, soil, flourishing in conditions where many other plants might struggle. Fully hardy in the UK (H7), it is a prolific self-seeder, often appearing in unexpected but welcome spots in subsequent years, contributing to a naturalistic garden aesthetic.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Very well-drained, poor.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.