Mullein Verbascum × hybridum 'Banana Custard'
ABOUT
Mullein 'Banana Custard' is a striking perennial plant with a robust and bushy appearance. It bears large, felt-like, silvery-gray leaves that are incredibly soft and create a beautiful basal rosette. The leaves possess a certain textural quality that can add visual interest to gardens. The most captivating feature of this cultivar is its dense flower spikes that bloom in a bright, sunny yellow color, strongly reminiscent of the color of banana custard. The blooms have a classic, open, saucer-like shape which are arranged tightly along the flower stalk, creating an impressive vertical display. As a perennial, this mullein produces flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it not only visually attractive but also beneficial for garden ecology. The cheerful yellow blossoms stand out vividly against the soft gray-green of its foliage, making the 'Banana Custard' mullein a focal point wherever it is planted.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Banana Custard Mullein, Hybrid Mullein, Garden Mullein, Showy Mullein
Common names
Verbascum × hybridum 'Banana Custard'
- Toxicity
To humans
The plant commonly known as Mullein is not generally considered toxic to humans. However, individual sensitivities can vary, and consuming any part of the plant in significant quantities may cause mild irritation or an upset stomach. It is always recommended to exercise caution and avoid ingesting parts of plants not typically recognized as food.
To pets
The Mullein plant is not generally recognized as toxic to pets. Nonetheless, pets may have individual sensitivities, and ingestion could potentially result in mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. As with humans, it is best to prevent pets from ingesting plants not intended for consumption.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide a nectar and pollen source for bees and other beneficial insects.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, adapting to a variety of soil conditions and resisting many pests and diseases.
- Drought Tolerance: It can survive periods of low water availability, making it suitable for xeriscaping or drought-prone areas.
- Ornamental Value: The tall spikes of yellow 'Banana Custard' flowers can add vertical interest to garden beds and borders.
- Long Flowering Period: This variety blooms over a long season, providing visual interest throughout the summer months.
- Ease of Propagation: It can be easily propagated from seed, allowing gardeners to produce more plants at a low cost.
- Cottage Garden Appeal: Fits well in cottage garden design schemes, providing a traditional and informal aesthetic.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Mullein 'Banana Custard' dried flower spikes can be dipped in wax to create natural torches for outdoor events, giving a rustic feel and gentle light.
- The tall, sturdy stems of the plant can be used as natural stakes in the garden to support other plants that might need a little help staying upright.
- Fluffy leaves of the Mullein 'Banana Custard' can serve as a soft padding in packaging for delicate items, as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bubble wrap.
- The leaves can be used to craft biodegradable mulch mats around plants, aiding in weed suppression and moisture retention.
- Mullein 'Banana Custard' can serve as a winter shelter for beneficial insects, providing a safe habitat for pest-controlling species.
- The plant's fibrous material can be used in paper making workshops for creating textured, natural-looking homemade papers.
- Birds may use the soft, downy leaves for lining their nests, making the plant useful in bird-friendly garden designs.
- Dried arrangements and wreaths can be enhanced with the unique structure and color of Mullein 'Banana Custard' flowers, providing a country-inspired aesthetic.
- Due to its height and form, the plant can be used in landscape photography as a means to add depth or as a focus point in garden scenes.
- Mullein 'Banana Custard' can act as a natural dye plant, with flowers sometimes used to yield soft yellow to greenish hues for fabrics.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Mullein is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Mullein is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Healing: Verbascum, commonly known as Mullein, has been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat respiratory ailments and skin conditions, symbolizing physical and emotional healing.
- Protection: Historically, Mullein was believed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck, making it a symbol of safeguarding and spiritual defense.
- Courage: With its tall, stout stalks and vibrant yellow blooms, Mullein embodies the qualities of courage and resilience, representing an ability to stand tall through adversity.
- Purity: The soft and bright appearance of the Mullein flower is often associated with innocence and purity.
- Water
Mullein 'Banana Custard' prefers moderate watering. To ensure healthy growth, water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently, but always check soil moisture before doing so. Cut back on watering during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing.
- Light
Mullein 'Banana Custard' thrives in full sunlight. It's best to place the plant in a location where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can impede its growth and flowering potential.
- Temperature
Mullein 'Banana Custard' is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures but performs best in conditions between 60°F and 80°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F; however, it should be protected from severe frost. Maximum temperatures for healthy growth should not exceed 90°F.
- Pruning
Pruning Mullein 'Banana Custard' is primarily done to remove spent flower spikes and encourage a second bloom. Prune the flower stalks back to the base of the plant after flowering. Pruning can be done as needed throughout the growing season. It's also a good practice to remove any damaged or diseased foliage to maintain plant health.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The Mullein 'Banana Custard' thrives in a well-draining soil mix, ideally composed of loamy or sandy soil enriched with organic matter. A slightly alkaline pH of around 6.8 to 7.2 is optimal for growth.
- Repotting
The Mullein 'Banana Custard' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot, to provide fresh nutrients and space for its root system to expand.
- Humidity & Misting
For Mullein 'Banana Custard', average room humidity is adequate; it is not particularly demanding regarding humidity levels.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid wet soils.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Verbascum × hybridum 'Banana Custard', commonly known as Mullein 'Banana Custard', begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in the spring, with optimal germination occurring in well-draining soil and with plenty of sunlight. As a biennial, during its first year, the plant develops a rosette of fuzzy, spoon-shaped leaves at ground level. In its second year of growth, Mullein 'Banana Custard' sends up a tall flower spike that can reach up to 6 feet in height, bearing densely packed yellow flowers attractive to various pollinators. After flowering, usually in mid to late summer, the plant produces capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. These seeds disperse by wind or mechanical means and can remain viable in the soil, ensuring future generations. Eventually, after setting seeds, the plant completes its life cycle and dies, although it may leave behind new seedlings that will continue the species' life cycle.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Summer
Verbascum × hybridum 'Banana Custard', commonly known as Mullein 'Banana Custard', can be propagated by seeds. For best results, sow the seeds in late winter to early spring indoors or under cover. Once sown, the tiny seeds should be scattered onto the surface of a well-drained seed-starting mix, as they require light for germination. It's important not to cover them with soil but to gently press them into the medium. Keep the seeded trays at a temperature of around 65-70 °F (18-21 °C) and maintain consistent moisture. Germination usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. When seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted to individual pots and later moved outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.