Here’s a guide on how to grow Verbascum
Verbascum, commonly known as mullein, is a genus of flowering plants that includes both biennials and perennials. These plants are known for their tall spikes of flowers and their ability to thrive in a variety of conditions.
Choose the Right Variety:
Verbascum comes in various species and cultivars. Choose a variety that suits your garden’s size, sunlight conditions, and your aesthetic preferences.
Here is a list of Verbascum varieties along with some of their key characteristics:
Verbascum thapsus (Common Mullein): Recognized for its tall flower spikes and woolly leaves.
Verbascum olympicum (Olympic Mullein): Impressive height and large yellow flower spikes, creating a striking focal point.
Verbascum chaixii (Nettle-leaved Mullein): Notable for nettle-like leaves and spikes of yellow flowers with purple stamens.
Verbascum blattaria (Moth Mullein): Features slender spikes of flowers resembling moths, available in white, yellow, or purple.
Verbascum phlomoides (Orange Mullein): Recognized for densely packed spikes of orange-yellow flowers.
Verbascum ‘Jackie’ (Hybrid): Popular for spikes of soft yellow flowers and a compact growth habit.
Verbascum ‘Cotswold King’ (Hybrid): Robust growth and large, densely packed flower spikes.
Verbascum ‘Southern Charm’ (Hybrid): Hybrid with pastel-colored flowers in shades of peach, apricot, and cream.
Verbascum ‘Helen Johnson’ (Hybrid): Features spikes of bright apricot-orange flowers and a compact form.
Verbascum ‘Flush of White’ (Hybrid): Cultivar with elegant white flower spikes and a relatively compact size.
These varieties offer a range of colors, sizes, and growth habits, allowing gardeners to choose Verbascum plants that suit their preferences and garden conditions.
Select a Suitable Location:
Verbascum plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Well-drained soil is crucial to prevent root rot.
Planting:
Verbascum can be grown from seeds or purchased as seedlings. If you’re starting from seeds, sow them directly in the garden in the spring or early summer. Press the seeds lightly into the soil, but do not cover them as they require light to germinate. If starting from seedlings, plant them at the same depth they were in their containers.
Soil Preparation:
While Verbascum is tolerant of various soil types, it thrives in well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with organic matter like compost to improve drainage.
Watering:
Verbascum plants are drought-tolerant once established. Water newly planted seeds or seedlings regularly until they establish a strong root system. Once established, they generally don’t require a lot of additional watering, except during prolonged dry spells.
Mulching:
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilizing:
Verbascum plants are not heavy feeders. However, you can apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in the spring when new growth begins. Follow the package instructions for application rates.
Pruning:
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding. Additionally, you can cut back the flower spikes after they’ve finished blooming to encourage a neater appearance.
Support:
Some taller varieties of Verbascum may benefit from staking or other support to prevent them from toppling over in windy conditions.
Propagation:
Verbascum plants can be propagated by seeds or by dividing established clumps. If you choose to divide, do so in the spring or fall.
Overwintering:
Verbascum plants are generally hardy, but in regions with harsh winters, a layer of mulch around the base of the plants can provide additional protection.
Mullein tea is a herbal infusion made from the leaves of the mullein plant (Verbascum thapsus). This tea has been traditionally used for various health purposes due to its potential medicinal properties. Here’s how you can make mullein tea:
Mullein tea
Ingredients:
Dried mullein leaves (a teaspoon or two per cup of water) or a mullein tea bag
Hot water
Instructions:
Harvest or Purchase Mullein Leaves:
If you’re harvesting fresh mullein leaves, make sure to do so from a clean, pesticide-free area. If using dried mullein leaves, you can find them at herbal stores or online.
Prepare the Leaves:
If using fresh leaves, wash them thoroughly. If using dried leaves, measure out a teaspoon or two per cup of water.
Boiling Water:
Bring water to a boil. Use about a cup of water per serving.
Steeping:
Place the dried mullein leaves or the mullein tea bag into a teapot or a heatproof mug. Pour the hot water over the leaves.
Cover and Steep:
Cover the teapot or mug and let the leaves steep for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the hot water to extract the beneficial compounds from the mullein leaves.
Strain:
After steeping, strain the tea to remove the leaves. You can use a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or a tea infuser.
Flavoring (Optional):
Mullein tea has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, but you can add honey, lemon, or other herbs to enhance the taste if desired.
Enjoy:
Drink the mullein tea while it’s still warm. You can have it plain or sweetened, depending on your preference.
Note:
It’s always a good idea to start with a small amount to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions, especially if you’re trying mullein tea for the first time.
Mullein tea is known for its potential respiratory and soothing properties. Some people use it to help alleviate respiratory issues, such as coughs and congestion.
Consult with a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.
Mullein tea is a popular choice for those interested in natural remedies, but its effectiveness can vary from person to person. If you have specific health concerns, it’s advisable to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Verbascum plants, like many others, can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here are some common issues that may affect Verbascum and how to manage them:
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cluster on the tender parts of Verbascum plants, such as young shoots and flower buds. They suck sap from the plant, which can lead to distorted growth. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.
Spider Mites: These tiny arachnids can cause stippling on leaves, turning them yellow and causing a fine webbing to appear. Regularly hose down the plants to reduce mite populations, and consider introducing natural predators like ladybugs.
Caterpillars: Some caterpillar species may feed on Verbascum leaves. Handpicking caterpillars or using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can be effective controls.
Snails and Slugs: These pests may feed on Verbascum leaves, causing irregular holes. Use barriers like copper tape, and consider applying diatomaceous earth or using beer traps to control snails and slugs.
Diseases
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery substance on leaves. Improve air circulation around plants by spacing them properly. Fungicidal sprays may help manage powdery mildew.
Rust: Rust appears as orange or rust-colored pustules on the undersides of leaves. Remove and destroy affected leaves, and consider using fungicides as a preventive measure.
Botrytis (Gray Mold): This fungal disease can lead to a grayish mold on flowers and leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Remove and dispose of infected plant material.
Crown Rot: This can occur in poorly drained soils. Improve drainage, avoid overwatering, and remove affected plants. Planting Verbascum in well-draining soil is crucial to prevent crown rot.
Bacterial Leaf Spot: Circular spots with a water-soaked appearance may indicate bacterial leaf spot. Remove and destroy infected leaves, and avoid overhead watering.
Mullein Moth
Moths can be attracted to Verbascum plants, and some moth species may lay eggs on them. The larvae (caterpillars) that hatch from these eggs can potentially feed on the leaves or flowers of Verbascum.
One particular moth species that might be associated with mullein plants (Verbascum) is the Mullein Moth (Cucullia verbasci). The Mullein Moth is known for its distinctive caterpillars, which have black and yellow stripes and feed on the leaves of Verbascum plants. While the caterpillars can cause some damage to the foliage, they are not usually considered highly destructive, and the plants typically recover.
If you notice caterpillars on your Verbascum plants and they are causing significant damage, you can consider manually removing them or using environmentally friendly methods to control their populations. Avoiding the use of broad-spectrum insecticides is recommended, as these can harm beneficial insects and other wildlife.
Regularly inspect your Verbascum plants for signs of pests, and if you observe unusual damage or caterpillars, you can refer to local gardening resources or seek advice from a local extension service for specific recommendations based on your region.
Regularly inspecting your Verbascum plants, providing proper spacing, and maintaining good garden hygiene can help prevent and manage pest and disease issues. If problems persist, consider consulting with a local gardening expert or extension service for specific advice tailored to your region.
By following these guidelines, you can grow Verbascum successfully, adding height and visual interest to your garden with their tall flower spikes.
