Verbascum phlomoides aka Wooly Mullein

Verbascum phlomoides is a biennial in the Scrophulariaceae family. Its common names include orange mullein and woolly mullein. It comes from Europe and parts of temperate Asia. Its range extends east into Central Asia and western Siberia. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. In the wild, it grows on dry, sandy or stony ground.

Pointed, hairy, grey-green leaves form an evergreen basal rosette. This can reach about 2 feet (0.6 metres) across. A tall, leafy flower spike rises above the leaves. The plant has a narrow, upright shape. RHS gives a garden height range of 5–8.2 feet (1.5–2.5 metres). Its description places the flower spike at about 5.9 feet (1.8 metres). The listed spread is 1.6–3.3 feet (0.5–1 metre). Plants reach their full size within one to two years.

Large yellow flowers crowd the spike from early through late summer. The pale leaves and tall spikes suit beds and borders. RHS also suggests gravel gardens, wildlife gardens, and informal cottage gardens. Remove the flower spikes once their blooms have faded. Sow seed in containers in a cold frame during spring or early summer. Winter root cuttings offer another way to raise plants.

Give this mullein full sun and soil that drains well. Poor, alkaline ground suits it, including chalk and loam. It tolerates drought, so it can suit dry planting sites. Rich soil can lead to larger growth that needs support. RHS rates it H6 for UK conditions. This covers winter lows near −4 to 5°F (−20 to −15°C). Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 5–9. Mullein moth caterpillars and figwort weevil may attack it. Powdery mildew can also affect the plant.

Plants For A Future records no known food uses. It lists traditional medicinal uses for the flowers and leaves. These include preparations for coughs, throat irritation, and other breathing complaints. It also records flower oil preparations for earache and skin problems. These records describe uses, not proof of safe or effective treatment. The source urges caution with seeds used against tapeworms. It suggests that they may contain saponins. Although it lists no known hazards, this does not establish safety. It also records use of the whole plant to repel rodents.