Woolly mullein (Verbascum eriophorum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Woolly mullein on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Scrophulariaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Woolly mullein
Verbascum eriophorum, commonly known as Woolly Mullein, is a striking biennial or short-lived perennial plant renowned for its tall flower spikes. Its large, soft leaves, covered in dense whitish hairs, form an attractive basal rosette, from which sturdy floral stems emerge in summer bearing bright yellow flowers. It is ideal for naturalistic gardens, sunny borders, or as a focal point in flowerbeds due to its majestic stature and drought tolerance.
Native range
Mediterranean region (Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East)
Care tips
This Mullein prefers full sun for optimal growth and abundant flowering. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings, as it is very drought tolerant and overwatering can be detrimental. It thrives in well-drained soils, even poor or calcareous ones; a common mistake is planting it in heavy, wet soils, which can lead to root rot. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage a potential second flush of blooms or prevent excessive self-seeding.
How to save a dying Woolly mullein
- Warning signs
- Wilting or yellowing leaves, soft stem, no flowering.
- First aid
- Move to a sunny spot, improve drainage, water moderately.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and shade, quickly rotting its roots.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act fast by improving its environment and avoiding waterlogging.