Description
Verbascum blattaria hybrid (V. blattaria x unknown) | Moth Mullein hybrid
We bought these seeds as V. blattaria, but after growing them we discovered that this is not true to form and is a really cool hybrid instead! The flowers look like typical blattaria blooms do, as do the seed pods, but the plant itself has abundant, far reaching branches and has a much larger form in general than true blattaria, so we offer these seeds as an exceptional hybrid cross.
Verbascum blattaria is an interesting and beautiful plant and is a splendid example of a non-aggressive and well-behaved biennial species that comes in both a yellow-flowered form a and white-flowered form. The common name, Moth Mullein, is thought to come from the resemblance of the plants furry stamens to that of the intricately haired antennae of moths. In the U.S. it is most common in the Midwest, Northeast, and Pacific Northwest. It tolerates disturbance and is often found along roadsides, pastures, waste ground, rocky stream banks, and railroads. Moth Mullein produces masses of flowers on long, arching arms, helping any border succeed visually, leading the eye up to the sky.
In its first year, this hybrid forms smooth, deep-green basal rosettes close to the ground. The rosettes overwinter and start to show signs of further development in the spring of the second year, at which time, slender, multi-branched stems emerge and elongate, reaching an ultimate height of 7 feet for this yellow hybrid form! Neatly folded, yellow angular buds pop open to reveal large yellow flowers which contrast the furry purple stamens. Blooms unfold in late June or early July, and flower for months, ending in autumn. The flowers are attractive to all sorts of insects, including nocturnal moths, early-foraging bees, and weevils.
The tiny seeds are abundant and can remain viable for decades, or even centuries in soil. However, will only reseed moderately. Seedlings are easily managed by either manually removing the plants before seed-set, not disturbing the soil, or by establishing dense vegetative cover that will prevent seed germination. Sow seed indoors, or direct-sow outdoors most anytime of the year.
Prefers full sun in well drained soils. Drought tolerant, low maintenance, deer resistant, and attracts a wide variety of insects.
Type: Biennial
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature height: 7 ft
Mature width: 4-5 ft
Hardiness zones: 4-9
*Please note: We cannot ship Verbascum blattaria Moth Mullein seeds to Colorado at this time. Checkout is disabled for this product in this state.