Verbascum thapsus

Save

Great mulleinBiennialFamily: Scrophulariaceae

Height: 2.5mSpread: 50cm
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

Yellow

Foliage colour:

Silver

Position

Sun Exposure:

Full sun

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Front, middle

Soil

Chalky / Alkaline / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Great or woolly mullein, Verbascum thapsus, is a statuesque biennial with a wide native distribution throughout Europe, north Africa and Asia.

In its first year it produces a rosette of large, silvery leaves that are covered in a dense layer of furry hairs – an adaptation to growing in sunny, free-draining soils. In the second year, a tall, sometimes branched flower spike emerges, bearing short-lived but numerous yellow flowers. It's a great plant for wildlife – carder bees (Anthidium) use the 'fur' on the leaves to build their nests, the flowers attract bees and hoverflies and the foliage serves as a caterpillar food plant.

It's a good self-seeder, and is often found growing on disturbed soils where the long-lived seeds have been able to germinate. For best results grow Verbascum thapsus in full sun in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil. It's best not to crowd it too much with other plants, as it's easily overcrowded and outcompeted in these situations.

Verbascum ‘thapsus’ and wildlife

Verbascum ‘thapsus’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects and other pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant and has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Verbascum ‘thapsus’ poisonous?

Verbascum ‘thapsus’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People