Family:	Scrophulariaceae
Genus:	Verbascum
Species:	olympicum
Common name:	Olympian mullein
Height:	2m
Spread:	0.6m

Originates from Greece and Turkey

Genus name is derived from the Latin ‘barbascum’, meaning ‘bearded one’, in reference to its hairy stems, which were cultivated as candlewicks. Species is named for Mount Olympus, in Greece.

Evergreen monocarpic perennial which will self-seed in favourable conditions. Height 2m, spread 0.6m.

Leaves are evergreen. Large – up to 60cm long, grey, and felted, they form a basal rosette.

In its second or third year, branching stems rise from the basal leaves, and bear panicles of furry buds. Over a long period during Jun – Oct, each bud opens to a simple flower of four primrose-yellow petals surrounding an eye of violet-red.

Grow in full sun in an open, exposed position; happy in coastal areas. Naturally occurs as a mountain flower, so needs very good drainage and a poor soil; in rich soil it will grow lax and need support. Prefers alkaline soil but tolerant of neutral.

Generally maintenance free; all that may be required is rationalisation of seedings. May be troubled by caterpillars and powdery mildew.

Can be grown at the back of a large border, or in a Mediterranean scheme. Good choice for a wildlife garden; flowers are attractive to bees, and if flower heads are left, birds will enjoy the seeds in winter.

“Superficial abscess is cured … by verbascum, pounded with its root, sprinkled with wine, wrapped round with its leaves, and … applied hot. Those with experience have assured us that it makes all the difference if, while the patient is fasting, the poultice is laid upon him by a maiden, herself fasting and naked, who must touch him with the back of her hand and say: “Apollo tells us that a plague cannot grow more fiery in a patient if a naked maiden quench the fire;” and with her hand so reversed she must repeat the formula three times, and both must spit on the ground three times.”

(Pliny the Elder, Natural History Book XXVI)