Great Mullein – Hardy Biennial Herb Plant UK

Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) – Traditional Herbal Biennial for Sunny UK Gardens

Usually available: spring & summer
Life cycle: biennial
Height: 1–2m
Bloom colour: bright yellow
Position: full sun
Spacing: 45–60cm apart
Soil preference: well-drained, light to poor soils

You will receive 1 Great Mullein plug plant, organically grown and ready to establish in your garden.

All of our herb plants are grown organically using certified organic potting mixes and fertilisers.

A Striking Traditional Herbal Plant for Open Sunny Spaces

Verbascum thapsus, also known as Common Mullein, is a dramatic biennial herb recognised for its tall flowering spike and thick white woolly leaves. Organically grown and carefully nurtured, this architectural plant brings height, texture, and heritage charm to UK gardens.

In its first year, Great Mullein forms a low rosette of soft, silvery-grey leaves covered in dense white hairs. In its second year, it sends up a tall, upright spike of bright yellow flowers that bloom densely through summer — creating a striking focal point in open, sunny borders.

Perfect for wildflower areas, cottage gardens, and traditional healing herb collections.

Why Grow Great Mullein?

• Hardy biennial suitable for UK climate

• Tall architectural flower spikes

• Soft, woolly silver-grey foliage

• Thrives in dry, poor soils

• Ideal for open, sunny locations

• Pollinator friendly summer blooms

This is a resilient, low-maintenance plant that thrives where many others struggle.

Traditional & Herbal Heritage

Folklore herb:
Great Mullein has a long history in traditional European herbalism.

Wildlife value:
Its tall flower spikes attract bees and other pollinating insects.

Naturalistic planting:
Ideal for gravel gardens, meadow planting, and rewilding schemes.

(For medicinal use, consult a qualified herbal practitioner.)

Growing Great Mullein in the UK

Great Mullein performs best in:

• Full sun

• Open, dry, well-drained soils

• Gravel gardens or poor soils

• Areas with good airflow

It is fully hardy throughout the UK. As a biennial, it focuses on leaf growth in the first year and flowers in the second. Allow some seed heads to mature if you wish it to self-seed naturally.

Spacing plants 45–60cm apart ensures good air circulation and upright growth.

Physical Characteristics

Height: 1–2m in flower
Spread: 45–60cm
Foliage: thick, soft, white-woolly leaves
Flowers: dense spike of bright yellow blooms
Growth habit: upright biennial with basal rosette first year

With Great Mullein, your garden gains dramatic height, resilience, and deep herbal heritage. A striking plant for UK gardeners seeking traditional botanical character and wildlife support.

Grow boldly. Grow traditionally. Grow with The Healing Herb Garden.