Butterfly Yellow Mullein is a frost-hardy heirloom flower that brings vertical drama to summer gardens with cheerful yellow blooms reaching 36 to 48 inches tall. This deer-resistant perennial thrives in full sun and actually prefers lean conditions, making it exceptionally drought tolerant and low-maintenance once established. Hardy in zones 5 through 5, it flowers generously from June through August, attracting pollinators while asking for almost nothing in return. The common name hints at its appeal to butterflies and other beneficial insects, rewarding you with constant garden activity during peak growing season.
1
Full Sun
Low
5-5
48in H x 24in W
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Moderate
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Yellow mullein produces tall, elegant flower spikes that seem to float above the garden, creating a sense of movement even on windless days. Its remarkable ability to thrive in poor soil and dry conditions means you can place it in those challenging spots where other plants struggle. The combination of minimal water needs, strong deer resistance, and prolific pollinator attraction makes this a genuinely low-effort plant that still delivers abundant seasonal color and ecological benefit.
Butterfly Yellow Mullein is primarily grown as an ornamental flower, valued for its striking vertical accent in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator-focused plantings. The tall flower spikes draw the eye upward and create architectural interest among shorter perennials and groundcovers.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Begin seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow in sterile germinating mix, barely covering the seeds, as they need light to germinate. Place a humidity dome over the container to retain moisture and keep temperatures around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Expect germination within 7 to 21 days.
Once seedlings develop true leaves and outdoor temperatures have warmed, harden off plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Transplant into the garden in full sun after all frost danger has passed, spacing 1 inch apart during the establishment phase.
Direct sow seeds in early summer, barely covering them and keeping the soil consistently moist until germination occurs.
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