Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

How much light does a Common Mullein need?

Common mullein prefers full sun, though it tolerates some shade. Part shade is listed as an acceptable condition alongside full sun. One source describes the plant as occurring primarily in disturbed soils in full sun. The plant's listed preference also includes a slightly acidic to neutral pH and well-drained soil.

• Light: Full sun and part shade (full sun preferred)^1,2

How often to water a Common Mullein

Water needs for common mullein run from dry to medium. It does not tolerate wet soils, so check the soil before you water it again. Aim for soil that stays within that dry to medium range rather than soaking wet. Its listed soil drainage is well drained and occasionally dry.

• Water: Dry to medium¹

Best soil for a Common Mullein

Common mullein is listed for well-drained soil that is occasionally dry. Its preferred pH is slightly acidic to neutral. The plant does not tolerate wet soils. One source describes it as occurring primarily in disturbed soils in full sun. The plant is also described as a herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial with a deep tap root.

• Soil drainage: Well drained and occasionally dry^1,1

Hardiness and temperature

Common mullein is listed for USDA hardiness zones 3a through 9b. The listing names each half zone in that span, from 3a and 3b up to 9a and 9b. A grower in zone 3a and a grower in zone 9b both fall inside the range listed for the plant. The display form of the range is Zones 3a–9b.

• Hardiness: Zones 3a–9b¹

How to plant a Common Mullein

Plant common mullein within hardiness zones 3a–9b. Allow for a spread of 2–3 ft (0.61–0.91 m) per plant. Expect a mature height of 3–10 ft (0.91–3.05 m). Pick a site in full sun, which is the listed preference, or in part shade. Choose well-drained ground that is occasionally dry, because the plant does not tolerate wet soils. Its growth rate is listed as rapid.

• Hardiness: Zones 3a–9b¹

Winter care

Winter hardiness for common mullein is listed as zones 3a through 9b. In zone 3a, the coldest zone in that listing, the plant is still inside its recorded range. In zone 9b, the warmest zone listed, the same holds. One source describes it as a herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial. Another lists it as a herbaceous perennial.

• Hardiness: Zones 3a–9b¹

How to propagate a Common Mullein

Seed is the recommended propagation method for common mullein. One source tells you to surface sow seed. Seed is the only method on the list for this plant, and no cutting, division or other technique is recorded. The mature height listed for the plant is 3–10 ft (0.91–3.05 m), which is worth knowing when you sow.

• Propagation: Seed^1,2

Common problems

The pests listed for common mullein are spider mites, slugs and snails, and mullein weevil. Spider mites are a problem in hot weather. Slugs and snails are occasional problems. Two diseases are listed, tomato spotted wilt virus and Texas root rot. The virus is recorded under the EPPO code TSWV00.

• Common pests: spider mites, slugs and snails and mullein weevil¹
• Common diseases: tomato spotted wilt virus and texas root rot³

Questions and answers

What color are common mullein flowers?

Common mullein has yellow flowers. One source describes small yellow, rarely white, five-petaled flowers. Gold or yellow is also given as the color. The plant is listed as a herbaceous perennial that prefers full sun.

Is common mullein native to the United States?

The native status for the lower 48 states, Alaska and Hawaii is introduced. Its native range record lists region codes such as FRA, GER, ITA and TUR. The record gives the codes and nothing more about the range.

How tall does common mullein grow?

The mature height is listed as 3–10 ft (0.91–3.05 m). The mature spread is 2–3 ft (0.61–0.91 m). The growth rate is listed as rapid. It is described as a herbaceous perennial.