Photo: Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Dark mullein: when and how to prune
Verbascum nigrum
Dark mullein is best pruned in March and September.
| Pruning months | March and September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Dark mullein: when to prune it?
After flowering, in August–September, with an optional tidy-up in March.
Dark mullein: how to prune it?
- Cut the faded spikes back to below the lowest flower; side shoots sometimes flower again.
- Leave a few spikes standing for seed and as winter decoration.
- In March, remove the dead stems just above the rosette.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and September. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Dark mullein flowers in June–September, when it attracts bees.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: It seeds itself freely and readily hybridises with other mulleins: cut off the spikes before the seed ripens if you do not want seedlings.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Dark mullein · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.