Mullein, Greek

Greek Mullein (Verbascum olympicum)

Greek Mullein is a towering, biennial-to-short-lived perennial known for its dramatic candelabra-like spikes of golden-yellow flowers that can reach heights of up to 8 feet. Native to rocky mountain slopes in Greece and Turkey, Verbascum olympicum thrives in dry, well-drained soils and full sun. It’s a fantastic architectural element in drought-tolerant gardens, pollinator plantings, and naturalistic meadows. Though not as commonly used medicinally as common mullein (Verbascum thapsus), Greek Mullein still offers light respiratory support and shares some of the soothing properties typical of the genus.

Key Characteristics

• Spectacular Bloom Spikes for Pollinators
  In June through August, Greek Mullein sends up massive, branched spikes covered in bright yellow, nectar-rich flowers. These blooms attract a wide range of native bees, hoverflies, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, offering a crucial mid-to-late summer food source.

• Great for Dry Meadows, Rock Gardens, and Xeriscaping
  Adapted to poor, rocky soils and drought, Greek Mullein excels in hot, dry conditions where few other large-flowering plants thrive. Use it in sunny, low-fertility meadows, gravel gardens, or dry slopes where it can naturalize without becoming weedy.

• Supports Overwintering Insects
  The dense basal rosette and coarse plant structure provide overwintering shelter for insects and insect larvae, making it a valuable part of wildlife-supportive garden systems, especially when left standing through winter.

• Light Traditional Use for Respiratory Relief
  While less common in Western herbalism than V. thapsus, Greek Mullein’s leaves have historically been used in teas or infusions for minor coughs and throat irritation. Leaves are typically harvested during the first year and dried for later use.

• Bold Structure for Ecological Garden Design
  Its dramatic size and vertical bloom stalks make it a favorite in layered native plantings or permaculture designs where it can serve as a visual focal point, dynamic seasonal layer, or beneficial insect attractor in the herbaceous or midstory layer.

Product Details

• Native Range: Greece, Turkey (Eastern Mediterranean)

• Plant Life Cycle: Biennial to short-lived perennial

• Sun Requirements: Full sun

• Soil Requirements: Dry to medium-dry, well-drained, poor or rocky soil

• Mature Height: 6–8 feet in bloom

• Bloom Time: June–August

• Bloom Color: Bright yellow

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9

Greek Mullein is a bold, pollinator-friendly plant for dry landscapes and ecological plantings. With towering bloom spikes, wildlife value, and drought tolerance, it’s a powerful addition to low-input gardens and meadows.