Key Facts
- Rosette forming biennial or short lived perennial
- Produces tall spikes of densely packed yellow flowers
- Prefers full sun and well drained soil
- Tolerates poor and dry soils once established
- Attracts bees and other pollinators
- Soft hairy leaves that can irritate skin on contact
- Can self seed and naturalize in open sites
Mullein (Verbascum densiflorum) is a rosette forming biennial or short lived perennial prized for tall spikes of densely packed yellow flowers and a soft, woolly foliage. It suits rough, sunny sites where poor or dry soil limits other plants and it draws bees and other pollinators.
Identification
Mullein forms a low, woolly rosette the first year and sends a vertical flowering spike the following year. Flower spikes reach roughly 2 to 6 feet tall and the clump typically spreads about 1 to 2 feet, with densely packed yellow blooms in summer.
Where to grow Mullein
Grow mullein in full sun for the best flower display and situate it in well drained soil. It tolerates poor, dry and rocky soils once established and performs poorly in waterlogged ground where crown rot reduces vigor and flowering.
Hardiness and timing
Mullein is generally listed for USDA zones 4 through 8, with plants dying back more in colder zones and setting seed more prolifically in warmer areas. Blooming typically occurs in summer, with exact months varying by climate and latitude.
Planting and spacing
Propagate mainly by seed. Allow about 1 to 2 feet between plants to match the typical mature spread and reduce crowding. Sow outdoors in fall or early spring for best establishment.
Water and soil care
Once established mullein tolerates dry conditions and needs little supplemental water. Consistently wet or heavy soils reduce flowering and increase the risk of rot, so improve drainage or choose a different spot if the planting site holds water.
Maintenance and after flowering
Mullein commonly self seeds and can naturalize in open sunny sites. Remove flower spikes before seeds mature to limit unwanted spread, or pull seedlings and basal rosettes where you want to control populations. Expect the first year to be a rosette followed by taller flowering in a subsequent season.
Benefits and cautions
Dense yellow spikes are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators and mullein works well in sunny, low-maintenance borders and dry slopes. Handle the soft, hairy leaves with care since the woolly hairs can irritate skin on contact. Check regional poison control or the ASPCA listings for species specific guidance if pets or children may ingest plant parts.
Propagation
Plants reproduce readily by seed and will naturalize if allowed to set seed. Transplanting established rosettes can also be used to move plants, but seed propagation from fall or early spring sowings is the primary method.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Mullein grow?
- Mullein usually forms a low rosette the first year and produces a tall flowering spike in the next season. Spike height and seed production depend on site quality and climate.
- Is Mullein invasive?
- Mullein can self seed and naturalize in open sunny areas. Contain it by removing flower spikes before seeds mature and pulling seedlings where spread is unwanted.
- Can I plant Mullein in heavy clay?
- Mullein prefers well drained soil and tolerates poor, dry soils. Heavy, waterlogged clay reduces flowering and can promote crown rot, so avoid persistently wet sites.
- Will Mullein attract pollinators?
- Yes. The dense yellow flower spikes attract bees and other pollinators in summer.
- Are Mullein leaves safe to touch and for pets?
- The woolly leaves can irritate skin on contact and ingestion may cause mild stomach upset. Confirm species specific toxicity with local poison control or the ASPCA before allowing pets or children to handle plants.
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