Common Mullein
verbascum thapsus
Also known as: ["Great Mullein","Aaron's Rod","Candlewick Plant"]
Overview
A tall biennial herb native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, known for its woolly leaves and tall flowering spike.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Scrophulariaceae |
| Genus: | Verbascum |
| Botanical Name: | Verbascum thapsus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed or border in open areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30 to 30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: not required
- Drainage: Fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter; tolerates poor soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an older plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms best in direct light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants to full sun gradually; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing near reflective surfaces that intensify light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.0–7.5).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; amend with grit if soil is too dense.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F); can tolerate cold but may struggle in prolonged heat.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; ensure good air circulation in warm weather.
Fertilizing
rarely needed, apply a balanced fertilizer once in early spring if desired
Apply fertilizer to moist soil; stop fertilizing when plant is dormant; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or root division; stem cuttings can be used but are less reliable.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds shallowly.
- Keep moist.
- Divide clumps by separating roots.
- Plant divisions at the same depth.
Best Time: Spring or early summer for seeds; divide clumps in early spring or fall.
Environment
Warm (65–70°F), bright indirect light, high humidity for cuttings.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or sandy loam for division.
Hormone
Not typically required for seeds; rooting hormone can aid stem cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds germinate in 2–4 weeks; divisions establish in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, pruners, trowel, rooting hormone (optional).
Quick Tips
Sow seeds in groups; divide plants when overcrowded; keep cuttings humid until roots form.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead flowers; trim back stems to just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming; cut back leggy growth to maintain shape.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead or diseased parts; remove spent flowers; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; replant in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or premature flowering in extreme heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf damage or dieback in temperatures below 20°F; can enter dormancy in winter.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; move potted plants to sheltered locations; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced; growth may become leggy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; improve air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer label; dilute correctly; apply to soil; avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may suffer mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Verbascum thapsus. The plant's saponins can cause irritation in the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they consume parts of Verbascum thapsus. The plant contains saponins that can irritate the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicVerbascum thapsus contains saponins and other compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation upon contact. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause discomfort if ingested in significant quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Verbascum thapsus toxic to pets?
A: There is limited information on its toxicity to pets, so it is best to keep it away from animals.
Q: How tall does Common Mullein grow?
A: It can grow up to 2 meters tall in its second year when it flowers.
Q: Does Common Mullein require much care?
A: No, it is very low maintenance and thrives in poor, dry soils.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Scrophulariaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
