Verbascum thapsus
Common Mullein
Common names: Woolflower
Photo: 4028mdk09 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Verbascum thapsus is a biennial plant that develops a dense, woolly rosette of leaves in its first year. In the second year it produces a tall, bright yellow flower spike that can reach 1.5 to 2 meters. The plant blooms from July to September and is highly attractive to bees and bumblebees, making it a valuable pollinator-friendly species for natural gardens. Dried flowers have been traditionally used for cough tea, though the fine hairs should be removed before processing as they can irritate skin and mucous membranes.
Care instructions
Choose a sunny, dry, well‑drained site; the plant prefers dry conditions and does not tolerate waterlogging. Plant seedlings 50 cm apart so the rosette can spread freely in the first year. Water sparingly and only during prolonged dry periods, as excess moisture can damage the roots. Leave some flower heads after blooming so the plant can reseed itself for the next year. Harvest flowers on a dry morning once fully open, and dry them loosely spread in a shaded, airy place.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, dry, lean, sandy
Feeding
Light feeder
Notes from real gardens
What other gardeners have written down about this variety — anonymous, voluntary.
No notes shared yet. Will you be the first to write one down?