The yellow, candle-like flower spikes of Great Mullein can reach up to two metres in height, making this an impressive plant of dry and grassy ground including gardens, waste ground and roadside verges. It is a biennial, spending its first year as a rosette of furry leaves and producing its flowers in its second year between June and August.
Like many of our native plants, Great Mullein is an excellent source of nectar and pollen for all kinds of insects including bumblebees and butterflies. To encourage wildlife into your garden, try planting native flower species in your borders to provide a 'nectar-cafe'. To find out more about wildlife-friendly gardening, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there's plenty of facts and tips to get you started.
