Verbascum
Verbascums or Mulleins are generally biennial or perennial, almost invariably tall with flrs ranging through purple to white although the most familiar are yellow. Their historic importance is emphasised by no less than 17 references in Pliny although their medicinal function today is virtually limited to pulmonary problems.
Verbascum insist on dry conditions and prefer full sun. The lvs of these versatile herbs were once used to make candle wicks, hence the popular name "Hags' tapers" and are the food plant of the increasingly rare Mullein moth. An aromatic tea is made from the dried lvs but as fishermen use the plants to knock out their catch, this function should be viewed with caution
The following plants are available to buy from Arne Herbs Nursery. Please contact us or call +44 (0) 1275 333 399 to confirm stock availability.
| Verbascum lychnitis White mullein | |
| Unusual native biennial, slightly shorter than most Mulleins with glaucous leathery lvs and white flrs for a dry border |
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| Verbascum nigrum Dark Mullein | |
| Yellow flrs, attractively contrasted with dark green lvs occsionally tinged red. Important caterpillar food plant. Another handsome plant for back of dry border |
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| Verbascum phoenicium Purple mullein | |
| Handsome per species from the Mediterranean area with purple, sometimes white flrs | |
| Verbascum sinuatum | |
| A short lived per with undulate lvs and yellow flrs from the Corbieres | |
| Verbascum thapsus Mullein | |
| Mulleins cross and so this may have a touch of V olympicum running through its veins, short lived, but seeds freely, handsome tall architectural plant with yellow flrs and grey felted lvs. | |