Verbascum thapsus ‘Governor George Aiken’ | common mullein

Description

Verbascum thapsus (common mullein) is the non-native wildflower that you may see pop up along the side of a road or in any open location with poor soil. It is a stunning plant that forms a large, fuzzy grey-green rosette of foliage its first year and thick yellow flower spikes the second. Unfortunately, it is also a vigorous self-seeder and is considered a weed with potentially invasive tendencies. The flowers should always be removed before they go to seed. 

‘Governor George Aiken’ is a well-behaved variety without the scary tendencies. This beauty self seeds very modestly, if at all. You may want to collect and sow seeds to keep a constant supply in the garden. And you will want a constant supply. The fuzzy rosette is hard to resist and the spires of tall (sometimes 6′!) white flowers make such a statement in the garden. 

Happiest in poor to average soil and full sun. 

Tip: Mullein is the foodplant of the mullein moth caterpillar, Cucullia verbasci (see last image), which causes unsightly holes in the otherwise attractive fuzzy foliage. Grow other plants around the base to hide the unsightly base. 

Zones: 4 to 9
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Type: Biennial
Height: 60 to 72 in.
Spread: 18 to 24 in.
Exposure: full sun
Soil: well-drained
Bloom Time: July to August
Native Range: cultivar. Species is native to Eurasia and Africa.