Nettle-leaved mullein (Verbascum chaixii)

Nettle-leaved mullein (Verbascum chaixii) is a perennial plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Nettle-leaved mullein (Verbascum chaixii).
This plant is commonly known as nettle-leaved mullein.
This is a semi-evergreen plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: nettle-leaved mullein
Scientific name: Verbascum chaixii
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Columnar / Upright
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Loam
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Informal Garden, Rock & Gravel Garden, Wildlife Gardens
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding
Other characteristics: Drought resistant, Plants for pollinators
Seasonal colors
Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
---|---|---|---|---|
Spring | ||||
Summer | ||||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |

How to plant Nettle-leaved mullein (Verbascum chaixii) – Stefan.lefnaer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Perennial plants are one of the largest groups of plants.
They offer color, shape, fragrance and seasonal textures. The variety is such that there are plants to suit all sizes and styles of garden.
Traditionally, perennials are grown in borders, using a wall or hedge as a backdrop to bring out all their splendor during summer.
But since most gardens are not large enough for long borders dedicated exclusively to perennials, they are usually planted in mixed borders and beds, along with shrubs, annuals, biennials, and bulbs that extend the season of interest.
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Nettle-leaved mullein (Verbascum chaixii), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Nettle-leaved mullein (Verbascum chaixii) is a plant that prefers to grow in chalk or loam.
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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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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.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH alkaline pH.
Regarding drainage, Verbascum chaixii likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Nettle-leaved mullein (Verbascum chaixii) should be grown in full sun places.

Cultivation profiles – Growing Nettle-leaved mullein (Verbascum chaixii) – Meneerke bloem, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons