Mullein Verbascum 'Daisy Alice'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Verbascum 'Daisy Alice', commonly known as the Mullein, is a striking perennial plant with a robust presence in the garden. It is characterized by its lush foliage which consists of large, velvety leaves that are often a silvery-green color. These leaves form a rosette-like base from which the flower spikes emerge. The Mullein's most distinctive feature is its stunning display of flowers. The blossoms are arranged on a tall spike that towers gracefully above the foliage. Each individual flower is saucer-shaped and usually a soft shade of yellow, often with attractive purple stamens in the center that add a splash of contrasting color. These flowers are densely packed along the spike, creating a showy and eye-catching display. The overall texture of the plant is soft due to the fine hairs covering the leaves and stems, giving the Mullein a somewhat fuzzy appearance. These hairs contribute to the plant’s signature silver or gray hue, making it glisten in sunlight and stand out in garden settings. The rosette of leaves at the base remains close to the ground, while the flower spikes rise elegantly, showcasing the flowers that bloom in succession over a period, prolonging the visual interest of the plant. Additionally, the Mullein is drought-resistant and its structure allows it to blend well with various other perennials in a garden setting, making it a desirable choice for gardeners looking for a combination of form, color, and texture. It has the potential to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding an extra level of vibrancy to its surroundings.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Scrophulariaceae.
- Synonyms
  Mullein, Velvet Plant.
- Common names
  Verbascum 'Daisy Alice'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Mullein plant, of which 'Daisy Alice' is a cultivar, is not known to be toxic to humans. However, it's always prudent to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants unless they are known to be edible, as individual reactions can vary.
- To pets
  The Mullein plant is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. Nonetheless, pet owners should prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not a part of their typical diet, as it can cause gastrointestinal upset or other unexpected reactions.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Biennials
- Foliage type
  Semi-deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Yellow
- Height
  2 feet (60 cm)
- Spread
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  5
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attracts pollinators: The bright flowers of Verbascum 'Daisy Alice' are known to attract bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
- Drought resistant: Once established, the plant is relatively low maintenance and can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for dry gardens.
- Long flowering period: It has a lengthy blooming season, which can provide visual interest in gardens for an extended time.
- Ease of care: The plant is generally easy to grow and doesn't require much attention, making it a good choice for novice gardeners.
- Cottage garden appeal: Its tall spikes of flowers add height and an old-fashioned charm to cottage garden designs.
- Deer resistant: Verbascum 'Daisy Alice' is not a preferred food source for deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas where deer are a problem.
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
- The flowers of the Mullein 'Daisy Alice' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a range of yellow to green hues depending on the mordant used.
- Due to its fuzzy, soft leaves, Mullein can serve as an emergency toilet paper in a pinch when out in nature.
- Dried Mullein leaves can be used as a filling for homemade, natural sleep pillows to aid in relaxation and sleep, as they are soft and have a pleasant, light fragrance when dried.
- The tall, dried stalks of Mullein can be coated in wax to create natural, slow-burning torches for outdoor gatherings or camping trips.
- In the past, Mullein leaves were placed in shoes to provide insulation and increase comfort due to their soft, cushiony nature.
- Seeds from the Mullein plant can be used to create a fish poison; indigenous peoples historically used it to temporarily stun fish, making them easier to catch without modern equipment.
- The dense rosettes formed by Mullein plants are sometimes used in landscaping as natural ground cover, helping reduce soil erosion on slopes.
- When dried, the stalks and foliage of Mullein can act as kindling material for a fire due to their flammable nature.
- The flowering spikes of Mullein can be dipped in fat or oil and used as candles, providing a light source in traditional or historical settings.
- Mullein leaves are sometimes used in crafting, to create botanical prints or to add a natural element to handmade paper.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Verbascum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Verbascum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Healing: Since Verbascum, commonly known as Mullein, has been used medicinally to soothe respiratory problems and skin conditions, it often symbolizes healing and protection.
- Protection: Mullein in history was believed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck, hence it is associated with protection and safety.
- Consolation: The soft, velvety leaves of the Mullein represent comfort and can symbolize consolation and relief in times of hardship or sadness.
- Courage: Its tall, sturdy stalks that reach for the sky can be seen as a symbol of courage and standing tall against adversity.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Mullein 'Daisy Alice' should be watered deeply but infrequently, as it is quite drought tolerant once established. Aim to water the soil around the plant to a depth of about 1 inch each time, which in most cases will be about 1 gallon of water for a mature plant. This should be done approximately every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the climate and weather conditions, but make sure the topsoil is dry before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to ensure proper drainage.
Light
Mullein 'Daisy Alice' thrives best in full sunlight, where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place it in a spot in your garden that is exposed to the sun for most of the day. This plant can handle some light shade, especially in hot afternoon hours, but it will perform best and produce the most flowers in full sun exposure.
Temperature
Mullein 'Daisy Alice' is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to about 20°F, though it prefers the temperature to be above freezing. The ideal growing temperatures for Mullein 'Daisy Alice' are between 60°F and 80°F. It can survive in temperatures up to about 85°F but may require additional watering in hotter conditions to keep the soil moist.
Pruning
Pruning the Mullein 'Daisy Alice' encourages the plant to produce more flowers and maintain a neat appearance. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend the blooming period. Cut back the flower stalks to the base of the plant after flowering is over, usually in late summer or early fall. Prune any damaged or dead leaves as needed to keep the plant healthy and well-groomed.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
For the Mullein 'Daisy Alice', a well-draining, loamy to sandy soil mix is ideal, with added organic matter such as compost. Maintain a soil pH between 6.0 and 8.0 for optimal growth.
Repotting
Mullein 'Daisy Alice' does not require frequent repotting. Repot every 2 to 3 years or when the plant appears to outgrow its current container.
Humidity & Misting
Mullein 'Daisy Alice' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does well in typical outdoor conditions.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light; ensure good air circulation.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.
- Hardiness zone
  5-9 USDA
Life cycle
The Verbascum 'Daisy Alice', commonly known as Mullein, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown, germinates in warm, well-drained soil, usually in spring. The seedlings develop a rosette of fuzzy, oblong leaves at ground level during their first year of growth. In the second year, the plant sends up a tall flower spike, which can reach several feet in height, and blooms with yellow to white flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. After blooming, the Mullein sets seed, which are dispersed by wind, animals, or human intervention. The parent plant often dies after setting seed, completing its biennial life cycle. However, some plants may live longer, behaving as short-lived perennials that can produce new flower spikes in subsequent years if conditions are favorable.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Propogation: The Verbascum 'Daisy Alice', commonly known as Mullein, is best propagated through seed sowing. The ideal time to sow Mullein seeds is in the late winter to early spring, using a well-draining soil mix positioned in a warm, sunny area. Surface sow the tiny seeds onto the soil, lightly pressing them into the surface without completely covering them, as they need light to germinate. Maintain consistent moisture but do not over-water, as soggy soil can cause seeds to rot. Germination can take anywhere from 14 to 30 days at temperatures between 65°F and 70°F (approximately 18°C to 21°C). Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots before eventually being moved to their final outdoor location in the garden.