Dark mullein (Verbascum nigrum)
Dark mullein (Verbascum nigrum) is a plant in the annuals and biennials category that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 50cm – 1.5m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Dark mullein (Verbascum nigrum).
This plant has several common names including: dark mullein, black-rooted mullein or tall mullein.
This is a semi-evergreen plant that takes 1-2 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: dark mullein, black-rooted mullein, tall mullein
Scientific name: Verbascum nigrum
Plant type: Annual / Biennial, Perennials
Habit: Columnar / Upright
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 50cm – 1.5m
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Wildflower meadow, Wildlife Gardens
Other characteristics: Plants for pollinators
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Dark mullein (Verbascum nigrum) – Daniel Ballmer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Annuals and biennials are ideal for formal or informal flower beds, but also for growing in pots and containers of all kinds. They are important plants for their rapid growth, instant color and relatively low cost.
They are also useful plants for filling spaces between newly planted trees and shrubs, as well as in perennial beds that may need to be revived after the first spring bloom.
They are an important ingredient in country house gardens and wildflower meadows.
Other types of Verbascum to consider:
See all Verbascum
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Dark mullein (Verbascum nigrum), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Dark mullein (Verbascum nigrum) is a plant that adapts to all types of soils, chalk, clay, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Verbascum nigrum likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Dark mullein (Verbascum nigrum) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Dark mullein (Verbascum nigrum) – Nicolas Weghaupt, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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