Mullein: The Towering Garden Giant That Sparks Debate
If you’ve ever spotted a tall, fuzzy plant sending up a dramatic flower spike that seems to reach for the clouds, you’ve likely encountered mullein (Verbascum). This distinctive plant has been both celebrated as a cottage garden classic and viewed with suspicion as a non-native newcomer. Let’s dive into what makes mullein such a conversation starter in gardening circles.
What Exactly Is Mullein?
Mullein is a forb – essentially a non-woody flowering plant that puts all its energy into those spectacular flower spikes rather than building sturdy stems. Most species are biennial or perennial, meaning they either live for two years or come back year after year. The most recognizable feature of mullein is its incredibly soft, fuzzy leaves that feel almost like velvet to the touch.
Where You’ll Find Mullein Growing Wild
Here’s where things get interesting from a native gardening perspective: mullein is non-native to North America, having been introduced from Europe and Asia. However, it has thoroughly made itself at home across the continent. You can find various mullein species growing wild in nearly every U.S. state and Canadian province, from Alaska to Hawaii, and from British Columbia to Newfoundland.
The Mullein Dilemma: To Plant or Not to Plant?
As a native gardening advocate, I find myself in a bit of a pickle with mullein. While it’s undeniably beautiful and relatively well-behaved in most garden settings, it’s not providing the same ecological benefits as our native plants. Here’s the balanced view:
Why Some Gardeners Love Mullein:
- Dramatic architectural presence with towering flower spikes reaching 3-8 feet tall
- Incredibly drought tolerant once established
- Attracts pollinators including bees and butterflies
- Self-seeds readily, creating naturalized colonies
- Thrives in poor soils where other plants struggle
- Fits beautifully in cottage gardens and wildflower meadows
Why Native Plant Enthusiasts Prefer Alternatives:
- Doesn’t support native wildlife food webs as effectively as indigenous plants
- Can potentially outcompete native species in some areas
- Self-seeding habit may lead to unwanted spread
Growing Mullein Successfully
If you decide to grow mullein, you’ll find it refreshingly easy to please. This plant seems to thrive on neglect – which is part of its charm and part of the concern about its spread.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Full sun exposure (6+ hours daily)
- Well-draining soil (clay, sand, or rocky soil all work)
- USDA hardiness zones 3-9 for most species
- Minimal water once established
- Poor to moderately fertile soil (too much fertility reduces flowering)
Planting and Care Tips:
- Start from seed sown directly in fall or early spring
- Seeds need light to germinate, so barely cover them
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart
- Water regularly during the first growing season
- Deadhead spent flowers to prevent excessive self-seeding
- No fertilization needed – this plant prefers lean conditions
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you love the tall, dramatic look of mullein but want to support native ecosystems, consider these spectacular alternatives:
- Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum virginicum) – tall white flower spikes
- Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) – aromatic with lavender flowers
- Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum) – towering yellow daisy-like blooms
- Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) – stunning blue flower spikes
- Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) – fragrant purple spikes beloved by pollinators
The Bottom Line on Mullein
Mullein isn’t inherently bad, but it’s not the ecological powerhouse that native plants are. If you already have mullein in your garden and enjoy it, there’s no need to rip it out – just consider managing its spread and gradually incorporating more native alternatives. For new gardens, I’d encourage exploring native options first, but I won’t judge if mullein’s dramatic presence wins you over.
Remember, every garden is a journey, and even small steps toward supporting native ecosystems make a difference. Whether you choose mullein or its native cousins, you’re creating habitat and beauty – and that’s something worth celebrating.
