Arctic Summer Mullein
Arctic ice mullein is a striking flowering plant. Since it is a biennial, it lives only for two years. The first growing season, the large, woolly silver leaves form a basal rosette. The following growing season, a sturdy stem rises from the center and holds one or more flower stalks bearing round, yellow flowers. After flowering, the plant dies. Seedlings may grow and replace the original plant if the seed is allowed to mature and disperse.
Arctic Summer Mullein
Arctic ice mullein is a striking flowering plant. Since it is a biennial, it lives only for two years. The first growing season, the large, woolly silver leaves form a basal rosette. The following growing season, a sturdy stem rises from the center and holds one or more flower stalks bearing round, yellow flowers. After flowering, the plant dies. Seedlings may grow and replace the original plant if the seed is allowed to mature and disperse.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Verbascum bombyciferum
Pronunciation
ver-BASK-um bom-by-SIF-er-um
Mature Height
3 to 6 ft.
Mature Spread
1 to 2 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
yellow
Bloom time
summer
Colorado Native
No
Natural Habitat
Asia Minor
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 5-9
Elevation Limit
not specified
Performance
Arctic summer mullein has been a successful cultivar at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. Its fuzzy leaves and clear yellow flowers make it an attractive plant. It reseeds readily, so it is necessary to thin the seedlings so it doesn't overtake an area.
Maintenance
Thin seedlings as needed. After flowering, remove the plant when it dies.