Orange mullein (Verbascum phlomoides)
Orange mullein (Verbascum phlomoides) is a plant in the annuals and biennials category that can grow 1.5m – 3m tall and 50cm – 1.5m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Orange mullein (Verbascum phlomoides).
This plant has several common names including: orange mullein or woolly mullein.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 1-2 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: orange mullein, woolly mullein
Scientific name: Verbascum phlomoides
Plant type: Annual / Biennial
Habit: Columnar / Upright
Height: 1.5m – 3m
Spread: 50cm – 1.5m
Foliage: 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 Orange mullein (Verbascum phlomoides) – George Chernilevsky, Public domain, 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 Orange mullein (Verbascum phlomoides), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Orange mullein (Verbascum phlomoides) 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 phlomoides likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Orange mullein (Verbascum phlomoides) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Orange mullein (Verbascum phlomoides) – Jerzy Opioła, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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