perennial

Moth Mullein

The Story

Plant Bio

Verbascum blattaria, commonly known as moth mullein, is a biennial herb that spends its first year as a low-growing basal rosette of deeply toothed, smooth leaves before sending up a tall, erect flowering stem in its second year. The species is highly adaptable to poor, dry soils and is easily recognized by its open, terminal racemes of yellow or white flowers with distinctive purple-hairy stamens.

The flowers feature stamens covered in fine purple hairs that resemble moth antennae, a trait that gives the plant its common name. Unlike other mulleins with densely woolly foliage, this species has mostly smooth, glabrous leaves and stems.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a strong vertical accent in dry borders with its tall, slender flowering spikes.

Thrives in poor, dry, and disturbed soils where other ornamental plants fail to establish.

Attracts a wide variety of native generalist bees and beneficial insects to its open flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

60"

Width

20"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Biennial

Native To

Eurasia, North Africa

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Sow seeds directly onto bare, disturbed soil in late summer or early fall, pressing them lightly into the surface without covering them, as they require light to germinate.
Select a planting site in full sun with poor to average, exceptionally well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Water sparingly during the first year to establish the deep taproot, then withhold supplemental watering once established.
Cut the flowering spikes down to the ground immediately after the blooms fade to prevent prolific self-seeding.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in rich, heavily amended loam or applying thick spring mulch; fertile soils cause the tall flowering stems to become weak and flop, while mulch suppresses the bare ground patches required for its natural life cycle.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in poor, gravelly, or sandy soils to maintain sturdy, self-supporting stems.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Remove spent flower stalks promptly if you wish to limit volunteer seedlings.

Don't

Do not apply nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which trigger weak, floppy growth.
Do not plant in low-lying areas or heavy soils that retain standing water.
Do not mulch heavily around the basal rosette, as this can cause crown rot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Gravel GardenMeadow PlantingCottage GardenDry Border

Companion Plants

Liatris spicata Echinacea purpurea Achillea millefolium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Moth Mullein questions

What zones can Moth Mullein grow in?

Moth Mullein is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Moth Mullein deer resistant?

Yes — Moth Mullein is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Moth Mullein bloom?

Moth Mullein typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Moth Mullein need full sun?

Moth Mullein does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Moth Mullein drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Moth Mullein handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.