perennial

Annual Mullein

The Story

Plant Bio

Verbascum boerhavii, commonly known as annual mullein, is a taprooted biennial or annual herb native to the Mediterranean basin. In its first season, the plant develops a tight basal rosette of bronze-tinted or green leaves, followed in the second year by an erect, mostly unbranched flowering spike.

Unlike many heavily felted mulleins, this species features sparsely pubescent foliage that reveals more of the leaf surface. The yellow flowers are arranged laxly along the terminal raceme, creating a more open, architectural silhouette than the dense spikes of common mullein.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides strong vertical structure and architectural interest with its tall, yellow flower spikes rising above basal rosettes.

Thrives in poor, dry, and rocky soils where other ornamental perennials fail to establish.

Attracts native bees, hoverflies, and other generalist insect pollinators to its open, pollen-rich flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

60"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Biennial

Native To

Southwestern Europe and the Mediterranean basin

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with highly drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soil.
Sow seeds directly onto the soil surface in autumn or early spring, pressing them lightly into the earth as they require light to germinate.
Water sparingly during the establishment phase, then transition to a dry regime once the basal rosette forms.
Cut the spent flowering spike down to the base in late summer to prevent aggressive self-seeding and encourage a tidy habit.

Pro Tip

Withhold all fertilizer to prevent the tall flower spikes from becoming weak, leggy, and prone to flopping.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in poor, rocky, or sandy soils to maintain a compact, sturdy growth habit.
Ensure excellent soil drainage to protect the taproot from winter wet.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings once established.

Don't

Do not apply nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which cause weak, floppy stems that require staking.
Do not plant in heavy clay or waterlogged areas where root rot is inevitable.
Do not ingest any part of the plant, as it contains toxic secondary metabolites.

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 gardensDry bordersCottage gardensArchitectural accents

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Lavandula angustifolia Eryngium amethystinum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Annual Mullein questions

What zones can Annual Mullein grow in?

Annual Mullein is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Annual Mullein deer resistant?

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

When does Annual Mullein bloom?

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

Does Annual Mullein need full sun?

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

Is Annual Mullein drought tolerant?

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