Verbascum blattaria aka Moth Mullein

Verbascum blattaria, or moth mullein, is in the Scrophulariaceae family. This biennial grows over two years. It comes from Europe, northwest Africa, and parts of Asia. Its native range reaches Afghanistan and northern Xinjiang in China. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. It grows in regions with a temperate climate. PFAF records it on damp waste ground. Yet plants may not last at a given site.

Dark green leaves form an evergreen basal rosette at ground level. The leaves have lobed edges, and their surface looks crinkled. The rosette can span about 1.3 feet [0.4 metres]. A thin, upright flower spike with branches rises above it. Garden plants reach about 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres] tall. Their spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. The RHS gives a flower spike height of 3.9 feet [1.2 metres]. Plants reach full size within one to two years.

Lemon-yellow flowers grow in loose groups along the branched spike. Each bloom has a purple centre. Gaps between blooms give the spike an open look. The plant blooms from early summer into early autumn. Its upright form suits flower beds and borders. The RHS also suggests cottage gardens and gravel gardens. It lists coastal gardens and wildlife gardens as well. The green rosette keeps its leaves beyond the bloom season.

Grow moth mullein in full sun and well-drained soil. The RHS favours poor, alkaline soil, such as chalk and loam. The plant copes with drought and dry to moist ground. Records place it on damp ground in the wild. Yet water must still drain well from garden soil. Rich soil can lead to larger plants that need support. The RHS rates its hardiness as H6. PFAF gives USDA zones 5–9. Remove spent flower spikes as part of routine care. Sow seed in pots in a cold frame. Do this in spring or early summer. You can also grow plants from root cuttings in winter.

Mullein moth caterpillars and figwort weevil may attack this species. Powdery mildew can also affect it. PFAF warns that it may become a weed. Keep watch on its spread for this reason. PFAF lists no known food uses or medicinal uses. It also reports no known hazards. This does not mean it is safe to eat. PFAF records its use indoors to repel moths and cockroaches. This reported use does not prove that it controls them.