Verbascum Species, Black Mullein, Dark Mullein, Wild Verbascum

Two of these plants appeared of their own accord last autumn in a relatively untended part of my garden in Porthcawl, S.Wales. I had no ...Read Moreidea where they had come from or what they were, but decided to let them grow and see what became of them.

This season both plants have thrived, reaching a height of nearly 6 feet, with several large flower 'spikes'. Thanks to the internet I have been able to identify the plants as 'Verbascum nigrum'.

A short lived perennial from Europe and Russia.

Has deep green, oblong, smooth on the top surface but hairy beneath, wavy ...Read Moreedged leaves that have heart shaped bases. Bears saucer shaped, yellow flowers with light purple filaments.

Flowers late May - September

Loves a well-drained, slightly alkaline soil in full sun. A good plant for naturalising in a wild flower garden.