Mullein 'Cherry Helen' Verbascum 'Cherry Helen' (PBR)

Water

Water the Mullein 'Cherry Helen' deeply but infrequently to mimic natural conditions. Aim to water the soil around the plant until it is moist, not saturated, to a depth of a few inches. An ideal watering schedule might be once a week, providing about one to two gallons of water per plant, depending on the soil and climate conditions. During the hot summer months, you may need to water more frequently, especially if you notice the leaves wilting. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.

Light

The Mullein 'Cherry Helen' flourishes best in full sun conditions where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If possible, place the plant in a south-facing location where it's more likely to receive uninterrupted sunlight. Avoid shaded areas, as insufficient light can hinder the plant's growth and flowering potential.

Temperature

The Mullein 'Cherry Helen' prefers temperate conditions and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It's hardy and can survive minimum temperatures down to about 25°F and is comfortable up to around 75°F; however, extreme heat above 90°F may stress the plant. The ideal temperature for robust growth and flowering lies between 60°F and 70°F.

Pruning

The Mullein 'Cherry Helen' benefits from pruning to remove spent flower spikes and encourage a second flush of blooms. Prune the faded flowers after the first bloom period, typically in mid to late summer, to keep the plant looking tidy and to stimulate new growth. Additionally, pruning in late winter or early spring can help maintain a desirable shape and size for the next blooming season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The ideal soil mix for Mullein 'Cherry Helen' is well-draining with a mix of loam, sand, and some organic matter. A pH range from 6.0 to 8.0 is suitable for this plant.

Repotting

Mullein 'Cherry Helen' should be repotted every 1-2 years to replenish soil nutrients and accommodate growth.

Humidity & Misting

Mullein 'Cherry Helen' prefers dry to average humidity levels, typical of its natural habitat, and does not require high humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Bright light, well-draining soil, occasional watering.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-draining soil, drought tolerant.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Verbascum 'Cherry Helen' (PBR), commonly known as Mullein, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown, ideally in well-draining soil and with ample sunlight to ensure germination. The seedlings emerge with soft, rosette-forming leaves, entering their vegetative stage where they focus on leaf growth and root establishment. Over the first or second season, depending on local growing conditions, the plant enters the flowering stage, with tall spikes adorned with cherry-pink flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Following pollination, the plant sets seed; the dry seed capsules eventually release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial, Mullein may then enter a period of dormancy in colder months, preserving its root system while above-ground foliage dies back. With the return of favorable growing conditions, new growth emerges from the rootstock, initiating the next life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Verbascum 'Cherry Helen', commonly known as Mullein, is through seed sowing. Seed propagation is typically done in late winter to early spring. The process begins by sowing seeds thinly on the surface of a well-drained seed-starting mix. Covering the seeds lightly with soil is not necessary as they require light to germinate, but they should be kept moist. The tray or pots used for sowing should then be placed in a warm area, with temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), to encourage germination. Seedlings will usually emerge in approximately two to three weeks, and once they are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots. Care should be taken to not disturb the fragile root system during transplantation.