Verbascum chaixii aka Nettle Leaf Mullein

Verbascum chaixii is known as nettle-leaved mullein. This short-lived perennial lives for more than two years. It is part of the Scrophulariaceae plant family. Its native range spans central and southern Europe to Xinjiang. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. It suits gardens in temperate climates. The plant has a tall, narrow shape and grows upright. Tall flower stems rise above a low leaf rosette.

Garden plants grow about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. Reported spreads reach about 1.6–2 feet [0.5–0.61 metres]. Rich soil can make plants grow taller and need support. The basal rosette, a ring of leaves, grows at ground level. It measures about 0.7–1 foot [0.2–0.3 metres] across. The leaves have long stalks and a dull, grey-green tone. They have woolly hairs and coarse teeth along their edges. Each leaf is oval to oblong in shape. The plant is semi-evergreen: some leaves can last through winter.

The stems do not branch. They bear pale yellow flowers in narrow clusters called racemes. Each flower is almost flat, with five lobes and purple stamens. The blooms measure about 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] across. Purple centres stand out against the yellow petals. Sources give different dates for bloom. Missouri Botanical Garden gives May to July. This spans late spring and early summer. The RHS gives mid- to late summer. Cut off faded spikes to help the plant bloom again. Leave some late spikes so it can self-seed.

Grow this mullein in full sun in soil that drains well. It accepts poor, dry ground and many soil types. The RHS advises alkaline soil, such as chalk and loam. Soil can be dry to somewhat moist. Once plants have settled in, they can cope with drought. Wet soil that drains poorly can kill them. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 5–8. The RHS gives a rating of H6. With the right conditions, it needs little routine care. You can also grow new plants from root cuttings. Take these in winter or from late winter into early spring.

Use it in borders, cottage gardens, and gravel gardens. Its flower spikes rise above lower plants and add height. It also suits dry, rocky slopes and scree. It can self-seed where a less formal garden style suits. Missouri Botanical Garden reports that it resists deer. The same source notes few serious pest or disease problems. Spider mites may attack in hot weather. The RHS also lists mullein moth caterpillars and figwort weevil. Powdery mildew can affect the plant.