Verbascum bombyciferum

GIANT SILVER MULLEIN
Family: Scrophularieaceae
Pronounced: ver-BASS-cum bom-bih-SIH-feh-rum

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Growing Guide
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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 @ 55-64°F (13-18°C), keep in light. Germination in about 7-14 days.

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.

During its second year the plant begins to elongate and form flower buds.

Flower buds begin opening.

The main flower stalk.

When the plant finishes flowering in its second year, it sets seed, completing its life cycle.

Photographed in author's garden.