Common Mullein

verbascum virgatum

Also known as: ["Aaron's Rod","Bullick's Staff","Candlewick Plant","Mullein Plant"]

Family: Scrophulariaceae Genus: Verbascum Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A tall biennial herbaceous plant with woolly leaves and tall spikes of yellow flowers, native to Europe and Asia.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Genus: Verbascum
Botanical Name: Verbascum virgatum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or container in an open, sunny area
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged growth.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid placing in drafty areas.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-drained, moderately fertile soil

pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).

Use raised beds for better drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter annually.

Temperature

Prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F/15–24°C); tolerates heat but may struggle below 50°F/10°C.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Apply fertilizer after watering; stop feeding in fall; use organic options for slow release.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed; division of clumps for mature plants.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Apply rooting hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Transplant when rooted.

Best Time: Spring or early summer for cuttings; autumn for seeds.

Environment

Warm (65–75°F/18–24°C), high humidity, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus soil.

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.

Timeline

Cuttings root in 3–6 weeks; seeds germinate in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadhead flowers; trim back stems to healthy growth; remove yellowing leaves.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.

Checklist

Clean tools; deadhead spent blooms; trim leggy stems; remove damaged foliage.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; repot in fresh soil with good drainage; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Choose new pot; prepare fresh soil; inspect roots; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.

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.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without disturbing the soil surface.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf damage or dieback in prolonged cold.

Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; move potted plants indoors; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Verbascum virgatum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or could be a symptom of water stress, root rot, or viral infections. It may also result from natural senescence in older leaves.

Wilting in Verbascum virgatum is often caused by water stress, either due to insufficient watering or overwatering leading to root rot. It can also result from pest infestations or diseases affecting the vascular system.

Leaf spots on Verbascum virgatum are commonly caused by fungal pathogens like Cercospora or Alternaria, leading to reduced photosynthesis, premature leaf drop, and potentially weakening the plant's overall health.

Rotting in Verbascum virgatum is typically associated with root or stem rot, often caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil, leading to fungal infections such as Pythium or Fusarium. This can cause plant decline and death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Verbascum virgatum. The saponins in the plant can cause irritation to the digestive tract, though severe toxicity is rare.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea drooling depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, Verbascum virgatum can cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of saponins. While not life-threatening, ingestion may lead to discomfort and digestive issues.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep the plant away from dogs. If ingestion occurs, consult a veterinarian.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Verbascum virgatum contains saponins and other compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The plant is not typically considered highly toxic to humans, but consumption may lead to discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingesting any parts of the plant. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Verbascum virgatum toxic to pets?

A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: How tall does Verbascum virgatum grow?

A: It can grow up to 6 feet tall.

Q: Does Verbascum virgatum 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
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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