Verbascum
mullein
ScrophulariaceaeYellow, rose, or white flower spikes; soft,
often hairy, coarse leaves
3–6 ft. high; 1 1/2–2 ft. wide
Full sun
Blooms summer (varies with the species)
Zones 5–8
pruning Most species of Verbascum
are either short-lived perennials or
biennials. Cutting the old flowering
spikes down immediately afterflowering may encourage plants to be
more perennial in nature. It can also
prevent the abundant seeding that
often occurs with mullein, and
pruning after flowering encourages
some species to have a slight rebloom
in the autumn. Allowing some seeding
in the garden, though, may be the only
way for the plants to persist.
other maintenance Plants need
a lean, very well-draining soil for
survival. Sandy or rocky soil is
preferred. Drought tolerant. Death
from “wet feet” is a common occur-
rence in heavy soils. Avoid high
fertility, which can lead to lanky plants.
Staking is usually required with the
taller forms. Division is seldom
necessary. Often attacked by spider
mites.
related plantS Verbascum
‘Southern Charm’ has lavender or
pinkish flowers with purple centers;
deadhead spent flower spikes for
additional bloom.
Verbascum chaixii, nettle-leaved
mullein, is a short-lived perennial.
Verbascum olympicum, Olympic
mullein, and V. phoeniceum, purple
mullein, survive in zones 6–8 and are
long-lived under the right conditions.
Verbascum olympicum may rebloom in
the autumn if deadheaded.Vernonia noveboracensis
New York ironweed
compoSitaeDeep purple, flat-topped flower clusters;
coarse green leaves
3–9 ft. high; 2 ft. wide
Full sun
Blooms September–October
Zones 5–9
pruning Deadheading plants before
seed set can reduce prolific seeding,
which may occur particularly in moist
areas. First-year seedlings may be
desirable, though, as they are interest-
ing, usually short 12- to 14-in.-high
plants with intense purple flowers that
may be more attractive than the parent
plant.
When grown in rich, moist soil,Verbascum ‘Southern Charm’