Mullein 'Cotswold Beauty' Verbascum (Cotswold Group) 'Cotswold Beauty'

Water

Mullein 'Cotswold Beauty' should be watered deeply once a week during dry periods, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. It is important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. An inch of water weekly is usually sufficient, but this can vary depending on weather conditions. During hotter and drier weeks, you may need to water more frequently, adjusting to about 1.5 to 2 gallons per plant each week to maintain consistent soil moisture.

Light

Mullein 'Cotswold Beauty' thrives best in full sun where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. The plant will flourish in a sunny, open spot where it is exposed to the full strength of the sun for the majority of the day.

Temperature

Mullein 'Cotswold Beauty' is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 85°F. Ideally, it grows best when the temperature stays between 50°F and 70°F. It's important to protect the plant from harsh winter conditions, with the optimal growth temperature maintaning above freezing.

Pruning

Prune Mullein 'Cotswold Beauty' to remove spent flower spikes and encourage a second flush of flowers. Pruning can be done immediately after the first flowering, typically in late summer. Also, remove any damaged or dead foliage as needed to maintain the plant's health and appearance.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Mullein 'Cotswold Beauty' thrives in a well-draining, sandy or loamy soil mix with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of 6.5-7.5. A combination of two parts garden soil, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or aged manure will create an ideal environment for healthy growth.

Repotting

Mullein 'Cotswold Beauty' typically does not require frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 2-3 years or as necessary when it outgrows its current container or the soil becomes depleted.

Humidity & Misting

Mullein 'Cotswold Beauty' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and generally prefers dry air, making it suitable for typical indoor conditions without the need for additional humidity adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Situate in bright, indirect light and keep the soil well-drained.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to light shade, use well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Mullein 'Cotswold Beauty' begins with seed germination, typically occurring in early spring when temperatures become suitable for growth. After germination, the seedlings develop into a rosette of leaves during its first year of growth, focusing on establishing a strong root system. In its second year, the plant sends up a tall flowering stalk that can reach several feet in height, where yellow flowers with purple stamens bloom in succession over the summer months. After flowering, the plant sets seed, distributing them through wind and wildlife, thereby enabling the continuation of the species. Once seed production is complete, being a biennial plant, Mullein 'Cotswold Beauty' completes its life cycle and dies. Volunteers may subsequently grow from the self-sown seeds, starting the cycle anew.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring - Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Verbascum 'Cotswold Beauty', commonly known as the Mullein, is by sowing seeds. The best time to start this process is late winter to early spring. Sow the small seeds on the surface of a well-drained seed-starting mix, as they need light to germinate. Do not cover them with soil. Instead, gently press them into the mix and keep it moist. Place the container in a warm area with temperatures around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius), and expect germination within two to three weeks. When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots to grow on before planting out in the garden after the risk of frost has passed.