Common Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
A biennial plant that produces a large rosette of thick, velvety, grayish-green leaves in its first year, followed by a tall, single flowering stalk in its second year.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Water
- Low watering needs. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Highly drought tolerant once established; vulnerable to root rot in waterlogged soils.
- Growth
- Biennial herb. First-year growth forms a dense basal rosette up to 2 feet across; second-year flowering stem grows upright, reaching heights of 2 to 7 feet with a narrow spread of 1 to 2 feet.
Care instructions
Plant in full sun with well-draining, dry to medium moisture soil. Water deeply during prolonged dry spells when young, but established plants are highly drought-tolerant. Fertilizer is generally unnecessary and poor soils are preferred.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Watering
Low watering needs. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Highly drought tolerant once established; vulnerable to root rot in waterlogged soils.
Soil
Thrives in poor, dry, sandy, or rocky soils with excellent drainage. Prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH range between 6.5 and 7.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9
Growth habit
Biennial herb. First-year growth forms a dense basal rosette up to 2 feet across; second-year flowering stem grows upright, reaching heights of 2 to 7 feet with a narrow spread of 1 to 2 feet.
Bloom season
Flowers during the summer of its second year, producing a dense spike of small, five-petaled, bright yellow flowers.
Propagation
Propagated easily by seed. Seeds can remain viable in the soil for decades and germinate readily when disturbed.
Common pests & issues
Generally resistant to serious pests and diseases. Occasionally susceptible to powdery mildew or leaf spot in overly humid conditions.
Similar species
Moth Mullein (Verbascum blattaria), which features smaller, more slender leaves and loose flower clusters, and Woolly Mullein species, which share the characteristic dense, felted leaf hairs.