Verbascum bombyciferum
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GIANT SILVER MULLEIN
Family: Scrophularieaceae
Pronounced: ver-BASS-cum bom-bih-SIH-feh-rum
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Turkey.
Plant Group:
Biennial or short-lived perennial.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 2-11, 14-24.
USDA zones: 4-8.
Mature size:
Height: 8 feet (1.8 m).
Width: 24 inches (60 cm).
Flowering period:
Summer.
Flowering attributes:
Saucer shaped, deep yellow flowers.
Leaf attributes:
Silver hairs cover the leaf giving it a soft felted feel to the ovate silver leaves.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Alkaline, poor, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
No fertilizer neccessary; lime can be used to sweeten the soil.
Propagation Methods:
Surface sow seeds and germinate @ 55-64ºF (13-18°C), keep in light. Germination in about 7-14 days.
Rainy Side Notes
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This biennial starts out its first year as a pretty rosette of silver foliage. Each of the photos below helps illustrate a biennial plant life cycle.
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During its second year the plant begins to elongate and form flower buds.
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Flower buds begin opening.
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The main flower stalk.
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When the plant finishes flowering in its second year, it sets seed, completing its life cycle.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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