White Mullein
Verbascum lychnitis
Family: Scrophulariaceae
What it is like
Verbascum lychnitis is a BIENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Waste places and calcareous banks on dry soils.
Europe, including Britain, from Belgium south and east to Spain, Greece, Siberia and Caucasus.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
Flower heads are used as a mouse and rat repellent in fruit stores etc. Dynamic accumulator.
Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.
Dynamic accumulator: Plants that gather minerals or nutrients from the soil and store them in a more bioavailable form and in high concentration in their tissues. Used as fertilizer or to improve mulch.
How it is grown
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most well-drained soils, including dry ones, preferring a sunny position. Dislikes shade and wet soils. Thrives on chalk. Prefers a light soil. Hybridizes with other members of this genus, though the progeny are usually sterile.
Propagating it: Seed - sow late spring to early summer in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and plant them out in late summer. The seed has a long viability.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist