White Mullein
verbascum lychnitis
Also known as: ["Aaron's Rod","Our Lady's Candle"]
Overview
A tall biennial herbaceous plant with woolly leaves and tall spikes of yellow flowers.
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 lychnitis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter. Tolerates poor soils but thrives with good drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers throughout the growing season; prune stems back by one-third after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an overgrown plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade in hot climates, but prefers bright light for flowering.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching. In hot regions, provide afternoon shade. Indoors, place near a south-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to diffuse harsh sunlight; monitor for signs of sunburn or etiolation.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; ensure soil dries between waterings to prevent root rot; avoid overhead watering to reduce leaf diseases.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better structure.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cooler nights and can survive light frosts.
Avoid placing near heat sources; use shade cloth in summer; protect from frost in winter.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; stop feeding during dormancy; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid, and bright but indirect light. Protect from direct sun and drafts.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix (e.g., perlite and peat moss) or sandy soil.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; plants may take 2–3 months to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide gentle warmth for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead by cutting flower stalks at the base. For shaping, cut stems just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged growth; remove spent flowers; shape as needed; disinfect tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose a clean pot with drainage holes; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water after repotting; place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring/summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall/winter. Adjust based on rainfall and humidity.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf discoloration. Prolonged cold can damage buds and flowers.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter (e.g., mulch, row covers). Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering. Plants may become stressed and vulnerable to pests.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering frequency, and ensure good air circulation. Mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid over-fertilizing; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring/summer). Avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Verbascum lychnitis. The plant's saponins can cause irritation, though severe reactions are rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, Verbascum lychnitis can cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of saponins. While not typically life-threatening, ingestion may lead to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicVerbascum lychnitis contains saponins and other compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon contact. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can be problematic in large quantities or with prolonged exposure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Verbascum lychnitis toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How tall does White Mullein grow?
A: It can grow up to 1.5 meters tall.
Q: Does White Mullein attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Scrophulariaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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