Verbascum bombyciferum

Mullein
Verbascum bombyciferum
Type: Biennial
Exposure: Full Sun
Water: Regular

You may recall that biennials are plants that complete their growing cycle in 2 years (foxgloves are biennials.) In its first year, mullein will form a dense rosette of silvery-green, felty, evergreen leaves. Year 2 sees the formation of 6ft (1.8m) powdery white flower spikes that begin opening from the bottom up in mid summer. Brilliant yellow blooms appear in clusters along the stalks, and are about an inch (2.5cm) across. The blooms continue for several weeks. Locate this structural plant near the middle of a border for maximum impact. They’re well suited to cottage garden settings and resist deer, probably thanks to their felty texture.

Cheers,

John