Nettle-leaved Mullein
verbascum chaixii
Also known as: ["Nettle-leaved Mullein","Chaix's Mullein"]
Overview
A biennial or short-lived perennial herbaceous plant with tall spikes of pale pink to white flowers, native to the Mediterranean region.
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 chaixii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden border, rock garden, or cottage garden setting
- Suitable For:
- 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; poor drainage can lead to root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, gritty soil with organic matter; prefers sandy or loamy conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead regularly during flowering; prune lightly after flowering; divide clumps every 3–4 years.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless dividing or rejuvenating old plants.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms best in sun; adjust for extreme heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent scorch.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pots for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, moderately fertile soil
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Use raised beds in heavy soils; avoid overwatering; amend with organic matter for better structure.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F/15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged freezing.
Avoid placing near heat sources; protect from cold drafts; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid excessive foliage; stop fertilizing when buds form to encourage blooms; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; division of clumps is also effective for mature plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone (optional).
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer for cuttings; sow seeds in late winter or early spring.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F/18–24°C), humid, and bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; can also root in water for cuttings.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is beneficial but not essential for cuttings.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 3–6 weeks; seeds germinate in 2–4 weeks; plants establish in 1–2 growing seasons.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at base; trim leggy stems to just above a leaf node; divide clumps with a sharp knife or spade.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming; prune leggy growth to maintain shape; thin crowded clumps for air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead or damaged growth; deadhead spent flowers; thin crowded areas.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or extreme weather.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure new pot is not excessively larger.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; replace with fresh, well-draining soil; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot only when root-bound or soil degrades; typically every 2–3 years for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth; reduce frequency in winter or drought; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, sand, or grit to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, 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; roots can rot in poorly drained soil during cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost with row covers; ensure well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowering may be reduced; growth can become leggy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture; improve air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are sensitive to saponins and may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume parts of Verbascum chaixii. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause discomfort if ingested.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Verbascum chaixii. The saponins present in the plant can irritate the digestive tract, leading to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicVerbascum chaixii contains saponins and other compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in significant quantities. The plant is generally considered non-toxic in small amounts but can be problematic if consumed in large doses.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Verbascum chaixii grow?
A: It typically grows to 1–1.5 meters (3–5 feet) tall.
Q: Does Verbascum chaixii require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Is Verbascum chaixii suitable for dry gardens?
A: Yes, it is drought-tolerant once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Scrophulariaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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