Verbascum, commonly known as Mullein. These plants are known for their striking architectural forms, often with tall flower spikes and soft, fuzzy foliage.

What Makes Verbascum So Special?

• Architectural Form: Many Verbascum species, especially V. thapsus (Common Mullein), have a dramatic, upright form with tall flower spikes that can reach several feet in height. This makes them excellent focal points in the garden.
• Fuzzy Foliage: The leaves of many Verbascum are covered in dense, soft hairs, giving them a woolly or velvety texture. This adds a unique tactile element to the garden and also helps the plants conserve water.
• Drought Tolerance: Most Verbascum are highly drought-tolerant once established, making them well-suited for water-wise gardens and dry, sunny locations.
• Self-Seeding: Many species readily self-seed, which can be desirable or undesirable depending on your garden design. This can create a naturalized look, but it may require some management to prevent unwanted spread.
• Medicinal History: Verbascum thapsus has a long history of medicinal use, particularly for respiratory ailments. However, always consult with a healthcare professional before using any plant for medicinal purposes.
• Biennial/Short lived perennial: The common varieties grow as a rosette in the first year, then send up the flower stalk in the second.

Description

• Flowers: Typically arranged in tall, dense spikes (racemes) or branched panicles. Flower colors range from yellow (most common) to white, pink, purple, and even reddish-brown. Individual flowers are usually five-petaled and relatively small, but they are produced in large numbers, creating a showy display.
• Foliage: Often large, basal rosettes of leaves in the first year, followed by smaller, alternate leaves on the flowering stems in the second year (for biennial species). Leaves are often covered in dense hairs, giving them a woolly or velvety texture. Foliage color ranges from gray-green to silvery-gray.
• Growth Habit: Varies by species. Some are biennials (living for two years, flowering in the second year), while others are short-lived perennials. Many have a strong, upright form, while others are more sprawling.
• Stems: Tall and sturdy, or branching.

Details

• Bloom Time: Varies by species, but generally summer.
• Hardiness: Varies by species, but many are hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
• Sunlight: Prefer full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
• Soil: Prefer well-drained soil. They are adaptable to a range of soil types, including poor, dry, sandy, or rocky soils. They generally do not tolerate poorly drained, wet soils.
• Drought Tolerance: Highly drought-tolerant once established.
• Deer Resistance: Generally considered deer-resistant.
• Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
• Self Seeding: Many readily self-seed.

Native Habitat

Verbascum species are native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They are often found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides, fields, and waste places.

Landscaping Design Tips

• Back-of-the-Border: Tall species are excellent back-of-the-border plants, providing vertical interest and a dramatic backdrop.
• Cottage Gardens: Their informal habit and often bright colors make them a good fit for cottage gardens.
• Xeriscaping: Well-suited for xeriscaping (water-wise gardening) due to their drought tolerance.
• Rock Gardens: Some smaller species can be used in rock gardens.
• Focal Points: Their striking form makes them good focal points in the garden.
• Naturalized Areas: Can be allowed to self-seed in naturalized areas.
• Gravel Gardens: They work well in gravel gardens.
• Companion Plants:
• Other drought-tolerant plants, such as lavender, rosemary, Sedum (Stonecrop), and ornamental grasses.
• Plants with contrasting foliage colors or textures.

Planting and Care

• Planting: Plant in spring or fall. Space plants according to their mature size.
• Watering: Water regularly when newly planted. Once established, Verbascum is very drought-tolerant.
• Fertilizing: Generally, do not require fertilization. Excessive fertilization can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage continued blooming (in some species) and prevent self-seeding (if desired). Cut back the flowering stems to the basal rosette after flowering.
• Division: Perennial species can be divided in spring or fall, but this is often not necessary.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally, pest and disease-resistant.

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Eudicots
• Order: Lamiales
• Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort family)
• Genus: Verbascum

Morphology

• Roots: Taproot (in many species), which helps them access water in dry conditions.
• Stems: Erect, often tall and sturdy, sometimes branched.
• Leaves: Often large, basal rosettes in the first year, with smaller, alternate leaves on the flowering stems. Leaves are typically covered in dense hairs.
• Flowers: Inflorescences are tall spikes (racemes) or branched panicles. Individual flowers are usually five-petaled.
• Fruit: A capsule containing numerous small seeds.

Popular Varieties

• Verbascum thapsus (Common Mullein, Great Mullein): A tall biennial with large, woolly, gray-green leaves, and tall spikes of yellow flowers. Readily self-seeds.
• Verbascum bombyciferum (Silver Mullein): A biennial or short-lived perennial with silvery-white, woolly foliage and yellow flowers. 'Arctic Summer' is a popular cultivar.
• Verbascum chaixii (Nettle-leaved Mullein): A perennial with green leaves and yellow or white flowers. 'Album' has white flowers.
• Verbascum phoeniceum (Purple Mullein): A perennial with purple, pink, or white flowers.
• Verbascum Hybrids: Many hybrid Verbascum are available, offering a wider range of flower colors and forms. Some popular hybrids include 'Southern Charm' (pastel shades), 'Jackie' (apricot-pink), and 'Gainsborough' (pale yellow).

Other Insights for Gardeners

• Self-Seeding: Be aware of the self-seeding habit of many Verbascum species. If you do not want them to spread, deadhead the flower spikes before the seeds mature.
• Biennials: Remember that many Verbascum are biennials, meaning they only flower in their second year.
• Skin Irritant: The hairs on the leaves of some species, particularly V. thapsus, can be irritating to sensitive skin. Wear gloves when handling these plants.
• Medicinal Uses: Use with caution and never without consulting a healthcare professional.

In conclusion, Verbascum (Mullein) offers a unique combination of architectural form, fuzzy foliage, drought tolerance, and pollinator appeal. From the towering V. thapsus to the more compact hybrids, there is a Verbascum to suit a variety of garden settings, particularly those with well-drained soil and plenty of sun. Their dramatic presence and low-maintenance nature make them a favorite among gardeners who appreciate bold, structural plants.

Verbascum, commonly known as Mullein. These plants are known for their striking architectural forms, often with tall flower spikes and soft, fuzzy foliage.

What Makes Verbascum So Special?

• Architectural Form: Many Verbascum species, especially V. thapsus (Common Mullein), have a dramatic, upright form with tall flower spikes that can reach several feet in height. This makes them excellent focal points in the garden.
• Fuzzy Foliage: The leaves of many Verbascum are covered in dense, soft hairs, giving them a woolly or velvety texture. This adds a unique tactile element to the garden and also helps the plants conserve water.
• Drought Tolerance: Most Verbascum are highly drought-tolerant once established, making them well-suited for water-wise gardens and dry, sunny locations.
• Self-Seeding: Many species readily self-seed, which can be desirable or undesirable depending on your garden design. This can create a naturalized look, but it may require some management to prevent unwanted spread.
• Medicinal History: Verbascum thapsus has a long history of medicinal use, particularly for respiratory ailments. However, always consult with a healthcare professional before using any plant for medicinal purposes.
• Biennial/Short lived perennial: The common varieties grow as a rosette in the first year, then send up the flower stalk in the second.

Description

• Flowers: Typically arranged in tall, dense spikes (racemes) or branched panicles. Flower colors range from yellow (most common) to white, pink, purple, and even reddish-brown. Individual flowers are usually five-petaled and relatively small, but they are produced in large numbers, creating a showy display.
• Foliage: Often large, basal rosettes of leaves in the first year, followed by smaller, alternate leaves on the flowering stems in the second year (for biennial species). Leaves are often covered in dense hairs, giving them a woolly or velvety texture. Foliage color ranges from gray-green to silvery-gray.
• Growth Habit: Varies by species. Some are biennials (living for two years, flowering in the second year), while others are short-lived perennials. Many have a strong, upright form, while others are more sprawling.
• Stems: Tall and sturdy, or branching.

Details

• Bloom Time: Varies by species, but generally summer.
• Hardiness: Varies by species, but many are hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
• Sunlight: Prefer full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
• Soil: Prefer well-drained soil. They are adaptable to a range of soil types, including poor, dry, sandy, or rocky soils. They generally do not tolerate poorly drained, wet soils.
• Drought Tolerance: Highly drought-tolerant once established.
• Deer Resistance: Generally considered deer-resistant.
• Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
• Self Seeding: Many readily self-seed.

Native Habitat

Verbascum species are native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They are often found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides, fields, and waste places.

Landscaping Design Tips

• Back-of-the-Border: Tall species are excellent back-of-the-border plants, providing vertical interest and a dramatic backdrop.
• Cottage Gardens: Their informal habit and often bright colors make them a good fit for cottage gardens.
• Xeriscaping: Well-suited for xeriscaping (water-wise gardening) due to their drought tolerance.
• Rock Gardens: Some smaller species can be used in rock gardens.
• Focal Points: Their striking form makes them good focal points in the garden.
• Naturalized Areas: Can be allowed to self-seed in naturalized areas.
• Gravel Gardens: They work well in gravel gardens.
• Companion Plants:
• Other drought-tolerant plants, such as lavender, rosemary, Sedum (Stonecrop), and ornamental grasses.
• Plants with contrasting foliage colors or textures.

Planting and Care

• Planting: Plant in spring or fall. Space plants according to their mature size.
• Watering: Water regularly when newly planted. Once established, Verbascum is very drought-tolerant.
• Fertilizing: Generally, do not require fertilization. Excessive fertilization can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage continued blooming (in some species) and prevent self-seeding (if desired). Cut back the flowering stems to the basal rosette after flowering.
• Division: Perennial species can be divided in spring or fall, but this is often not necessary.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally, pest and disease-resistant.

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Eudicots
• Order: Lamiales
• Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort family)
• Genus: Verbascum

Morphology

• Roots: Taproot (in many species), which helps them access water in dry conditions.
• Stems: Erect, often tall and sturdy, sometimes branched.
• Leaves: Often large, basal rosettes in the first year, with smaller, alternate leaves on the flowering stems. Leaves are typically covered in dense hairs.
• Flowers: Inflorescences are tall spikes (racemes) or branched panicles. Individual flowers are usually five-petaled.
• Fruit: A capsule containing numerous small seeds.

Popular Varieties

• Verbascum thapsus (Common Mullein, Great Mullein): A tall biennial with large, woolly, gray-green leaves, and tall spikes of yellow flowers. Readily self-seeds.
• Verbascum bombyciferum (Silver Mullein): A biennial or short-lived perennial with silvery-white, woolly foliage and yellow flowers. 'Arctic Summer' is a popular cultivar.
• Verbascum chaixii (Nettle-leaved Mullein): A perennial with green leaves and yellow or white flowers. 'Album' has white flowers.
• Verbascum phoeniceum (Purple Mullein): A perennial with purple, pink, or white flowers.
• Verbascum Hybrids: Many hybrid Verbascum are available, offering a wider range of flower colors and forms. Some popular hybrids include 'Southern Charm' (pastel shades), 'Jackie' (apricot-pink), and 'Gainsborough' (pale yellow).

Other Insights for Gardeners

• Self-Seeding: Be aware of the self-seeding habit of many Verbascum species. If you do not want them to spread, deadhead the flower spikes before the seeds mature.
• Biennials: Remember that many Verbascum are biennials, meaning they only flower in their second year.
• Skin Irritant: The hairs on the leaves of some species, particularly V. thapsus, can be irritating to sensitive skin. Wear gloves when handling these plants.
• Medicinal Uses: Use with caution and never without consulting a healthcare professional.

In conclusion, Verbascum (Mullein) offers a unique combination of architectural form, fuzzy foliage, drought tolerance, and pollinator appeal. From the towering V. thapsus to the more compact hybrids, there is a Verbascum to suit a variety of garden settings, particularly those with well-drained soil and plenty of sun. Their dramatic presence and low-maintenance nature make them a favorite among gardeners who appreciate bold, structural plants.