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perennial

Dark Mullein*

Verbascum nigrum

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Dark Mullein (Verbascum nigrum) at Alsip Home and Nursery

Dark Mullein flowers

Dark Mullein flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Dark Mullein (Verbascum nigrum) at Alsip Home and Nursery

Dark Mullein flowers

Dark Mullein flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

* This is a "special order" plant - contact store for details

Plant Height:  18 inches

Flower Height:  3 feet

Spacing:  8 inches

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  2

Ornamental Features

Dark Mullein has masses of beautiful spikes of yellow flowers with purple anthers rising above the foliage from early to late summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its oval leaves remain green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Dark Mullein is an herbaceous perennial with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other garden plants with finer foliage.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Self-Seeding

Dark Mullein is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Dark Mullein will grow to be about 18 inches tall at maturity extending to 3 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 12 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 8 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and tends to be biennial, meaning that it puts on vegetative growth the first year, flowers the second, and then dies. However, this species tends to self-seed and will thereby endure for years in the garden if allowed. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in poor soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.

 

* This is a "special order" plant - contact store for details

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Garden  Naturalizing 
Applications
Flowers  Texture 
Ornamental Features