Verbascum thapsus

Great or woolly mullein, Verbascum thapsus, is a statuesque biennial with a wide native distribution throughout Europe, north Africa and Asia.

In its first year it produces a rosette of large, silvery leaves that are covered in a dense layer of furry hairs – an adaptation to growing in sunny, free-draining soils. In the second year, a tall, sometimes branched flower spike emerges, bearing short-lived but numerous yellow flowers. It's a great plant for wildlife – carder bees (Anthidium) use the 'fur' on the leaves to build their nests, the flowers attract bees and hoverflies and the foliage serves as a caterpillar food plant.

It's a good self-seeder, and is often found growing on disturbed soils where the long-lived seeds have been able to germinate. For best results grow Verbascum thapsus in full sun in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil. It's best not to crowd it too much with other plants, as it's easily overcrowded and outcompeted in these situations.