Description
Verbascum eriophorum (V. heteropogon, V. malacotrichum) | Cretan Mullein
Cretan Mullein, native to the Central Balkan Peninsula, is an extremely rare biennial or short-lived perennial flower that starts out as a silver rosette of basal foliage of soft, almost woolly leaves, then grows tall, slender stalks that rise from the foliage and form beautiful and unique (for Verbascum) peach flower buds from which good-sized beautiful yellow flowers with deep-red centers emerge.
Equipped with a deep tap root, it can thrive in many habitats, including disturbed sandy or rocky soils on roadsides, river banks, meadows, waste ground, forest margins, and rocky hillocks. Plant in alkaline, poor, well-drained soil in full sun. In more fertile soils, it grows larger and may need support. Tough, drought tolerant.
Mulleins hold tremendous value for wildlife: The flowers are a good pollen and nectar source for a wide range of insects, particularly bees. Numerous seed-eating animals including birds, like goldfinch, feed on the small seeds produced. And the dead flowering stems provide hibernation sites for over-wintering invertebrates.
The tiny seeds are abundant and can remain viable for decades, or even centuries in the soil in some instances. However, Mullein is easily managed by manually removing the plants before seed-set, or not disturbing the soil, or establishing dense vegetative cover that will prevent seed germination. Sow seed indoors or late spring to summer to early fall outdoors.
Deer resistant.
Type: Perennial
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature height: 4-6 ft
Mature width: 2 ft
Hardiness zones: 6-10
