Purple Mullein
verbascum phoeniceum
Also known as: ["Purple Mullein","Mullein"]
Overview
A biennial or short-lived perennial herbaceous plant with tall spikes of flowers, native to Europe and Asia.
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 phoeniceum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden border, meadow, or cottage garden setting
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- 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; tolerates poor soils but performs best with some fertility.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers throughout the growing season; prune back hard after flowering in late summer.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing spent flowers and shaping the plant rather than heavy structura
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure adequate airflow to prevent sunburn.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Soil
well-draining, moderately fertile soil
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid overwatering; amend with organic matter for better growth.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights but avoids extreme heat.
Monitor temperature extremes; adjust watering and light exposure accordingly; protect from frost.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing before winter dormancy; use a low-nitrogen formula to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more reliable for preserving specific cultivar traits.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings just below a leaf node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also be propagated in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; plants may take an additional 1–2 months to establish.
Tools Needed
Sharp pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; maintain high humidity until roots form; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp pruners to cut flower stalks at the base; trim leggy stems to just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming; prune leggy growth to maintain compact form; cut back after flowering to rejuvenate the plant.
Tools
Pruning shears, clean knife, gloves.
Checklist
Remove dead or damaged growth; deadhead spent flowers; trim leggy stems; clean tools between cuts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant from its pot; trim any circling roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor and flower production.
Checklist
Choose a new pot with drainage; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; place in a shaded area for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom but avoid waterlogging; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility; incorporate perlite or sand to enhance drainage; use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in excessive heat; yellowing or browning leaves in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause root damage or dieback, especially in poorly drained soil.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; avoid overwatering in cold weather; move potted plants to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and dehydration, especially in dry soil.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; improve air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid late-season feeding; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume parts of Verbascum phoeniceum. The plant's saponins can cause discomfort but are not usually toxic in small amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Verbascum phoeniceum can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of saponins. While not typically life-threatening, ingestion should be monitored.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicVerbascum phoeniceum contains saponins and other compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in significant quantities. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can be problematic for sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Verbascum phoeniceum grow?
A: It typically grows to 1–1.5 meters (3–5 feet) tall.
Q: Does Verbascum phoeniceum require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Is Verbascum phoeniceum deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Scrophulariaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| 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
