Showy Mullein
verbascum speciosum
Also known as: ["Great Mullein","Velvet Plant"]
Overview
A tall biennial herbaceous plant with woolly leaves and large, yellow flowers on a tall 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 speciosum |
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":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining; essential to prevent waterlogged roots.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; can tolerate poor soils but thrives with enrichment.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; can also prune lightly in early spring to remove dead or weak stems.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown, focusing on older or damaged stems.
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 to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; provide shade during peak summer heat; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral, pH 6.5–7.5.
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; test soil pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but may struggle above 80°F (27°C).
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from drafts; maintain consistent humidity levels.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding during dormancy; use a low-nitrogen formula for flowering plants.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more reliable for consistent results.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to 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 root in water initially.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster and more reliable root development.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; cut stems back to a healthy bud or lateral branch; thin out crowded growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilized scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune at an angle; remove dead or diseased parts; clean up debris after pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor and flowering.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water and place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
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 coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat; yellowing or root rot in cold, damp conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause root damage, especially if combined with wet soil.
Solution: Protect from frost; ensure well-draining soil to prevent cold waterlogging; move potted plants to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer label for dilution rates; apply during active growth; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may suffer mild gastrointestinal issues if they ingest parts of Verbascum speciosum. The plant is not considered highly toxic to cats but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume parts of Verbascum speciosum. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause discomfort if ingested in significant amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicVerbascum speciosum contains saponins and other compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon ingestion. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can be problematic in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Verbascum speciosum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How tall does Verbascum speciosum grow?
A: It can grow up to 1.5 meters tall.
Q: Does Verbascum speciosum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Scrophulariaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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