Mullein Verbascum 'Merlin' (PBR)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The "Merlin" mullein, known as Verbascum 'Merlin', is an eye-catching perennial plant that showcases a rosette of soft, hairy leaves which are gray-green in color, setting a velvety textured groundwork. The leaves tend to be oblong-shaped with a slightly ragged edge. From this rosette emerges a sturdy, upright flowering spike that is adorned with delicately pretty cup-shaped blooms, each displaying a lovely shade of pink with a darker plum center. The flowers are neatly arranged around the stem, almost encircling it, giving the impression of a dense and elongated floral display that adds vertical interest without reference to its specific size. The overall appearance of the Merlin mullein is one of a textured foliage base giving rise to an elegant, colorful inflorescence with a soft, enchanting hue that contrasts beautifully against the foliage.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Scrophulariaceae.
- Synonyms
  Mullein, Velvet Plant.
- Common names
  Verbascum 'Merlin' (PBR)
Toxicity
- To humans
  The common name of Verbascum 'Merlin' (PBR) is Mullein. Generally, mullein is not considered toxic to humans. It has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine for various purposes, mainly for respiratory conditions. However, ingesting any part of the plant is not advisable without proper knowledge of preparation and dosage. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using mullein or any plant material for medicinal purposes.
- To pets
  Mullein is the common name of Verbascum 'Merlin' (PBR). This plant is generally not considered toxic to pets either. There are no well-documented cases of mullein poisoning in household pets, such as cats and dogs. However, it is still recommended to prevent your pets from ingesting this or any other plants not intended for consumption, as individual animals might have different sensitivities or allergies. If you suspect your pet has ingested a questionable plant, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Biennials
- Foliage type
  Semi-deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  2 feet [60 cm]
- Spread
  1 foot [30 cm]
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  5
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Easy to Grow: Verbascum 'Merlin' is known for being low maintenance and easy to cultivate, which suits gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: This plant has good tolerance to dry conditions once established, making it ideal for water-efficient gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: It produces flowers that attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollination.
- Long Blooming Period: Verbascum 'Merlin' offers an extended flowering season, providing color and interest in the garden for several months.
- Architectural Interest: With its tall, erect flower spikes and rosettes of foliage, it contributes architectural interest to garden borders or gravel gardens.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, which is beneficial for gardens in temperate regions.
- Low Fertility Requirement: This plant doesn't require rich soil; it can thrive in poor soils where other plants may struggle.
- Deer Resistant: Verbascum 'Merlin' is not a preferred choice for deer, which can help to prevent damage to the garden 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 fuzzy leaves of the Verbascum 'Merlin' can be used as a natural tinder for starting fires. They catch fire easily when dry, which can be helpful for campers or in survival situations.
- Hair dye can be made from the flowers; the petals contain pigments that can impart a yellow or green tinge on the hair, depending on the process used.
- If you're into natural dyeing, the flowers can also be used to dye wool, silk, and other natural fibers, producing shades of yellow or green.
- Crafters sometimes use the tall flower spikes in dried flower arrangements for texture and visual interest.
- The plant's stalks have been historically used to create rough textiles or paper, as they contain fibrous material.
- In some cultures, the leaves have been used to line shoes for added insulation and padding.
- Gardeners sometimes use the large, velvety leaves to create leaf castings, as they leave intricate, interesting patterns in cement or plaster of Paris.
- Verbascum 'Merlin' can act as a trap crop, attracting pests away from more valuable plants in the garden.
- The rosette form and foliage of the plant have inspired artists and designers, being used as models for botanical illustrations and patterns in textile design.
- The tall, sturdy stems have been repurposed in craft projects, such as creating natural supports for other plants or as part of a rustic decor.

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: The Verbascum genus, commonly known as Mullein, has been used in traditional herbal medicine, and its association with healing stems from its purported medicinal properties.
- Protection: In folklore, Mullein was believed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck, so it is often associated with protection.
- Courage: Mullein's tall, sturdy stalks rising above the surrounding vegetation have made it a symbol of courage and resilience.
- Cleansing: The plant has been used to clear respiratory passages in folk medicine, which symbolically translates to cleansing both physically and spiritually.
- Consolation: Mullein's soft, velvety leaves can be comforting to touch, which is why it may also symbolize consolation and soothing of sorrows.
- Light: The tall candle-like flower spikes of Mullein have historically been dipped in fat and used as torches, making it a symbol of light and guidance.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Mullein 'Merlin' prefers well-drained soil and does not like to be overwatered. It's important to let the soil dry out between waterings. When you do water, give it a thorough soaking until the water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot or until the soil is visibly wet at a depth of a few inches for plants in the ground. A good rule of thumb is to water it once a week with about 1 gallon of water, but adjust this based on climate and season, giving more water during hot, dry spells and less during cooler, rainy periods.
Light
The common Mullein 'Merlin' thrives in full sun conditions as it needs ample sunlight to grow strong and produce its characteristic flowers. Planting it in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day will ensure it develops optimally. Partial shade is tolerated but may result in leggier growth and fewer blooms.
Temperature
Common Mullein 'Merlin' is hardy and can tolerate a broad range of temperatures. It typically can survive brief periods of cold down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but fares best in temperatures averaging between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit might stress the plant, but mullein usually handles it better than extreme cold.
Pruning
Mullein 'Merlin' should be pruned to remove spent flower spikes and encourage a second bloom. Deadheading, or cutting off the old flowers, can be done throughout the flowering season to keep the plant looking tidy. Additionally, pruning back the foliage in late fall or early spring helps to maintain its shape and vigor. It's not essential to prune regularly, but seasonal maintenance pruning can promote healthier, more aesthetically pleasing growth.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for the Mullein 'Merlin' should be well-draining and gritty to mimic its natural habitat. A mixture of sandy loam, compost, and a small amount of gravel or perlite would provide the right conditions. Mullein 'Merlin' prefers a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It's important to avoid water-logged conditions, as this can lead to root rot.
Repotting
Mullein 'Merlin' does not require frequent repotting as it is a biennial plant. Repotting can be done every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. After the first year, repotting is generally done to refresh the soil rather than accommodate plant growth.
Humidity & Misting
Mullein 'Merlin' are not demanding in terms of humidity and can tolerate a wide range. They thrive in average room humidity levels but are adaptable to both drier and more humid conditions. There's no specific humidity level required for these plants, just avoid extremely wet environments.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
- Outdoor
  Choose sunny location, well-draining soil, shelter from strong winds.
- Hardiness zone
  5-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life of Verbascum 'Merlin'—also known as Mullein—begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, well-drained soil usually in spring. Seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of leaves at ground level as the plant enters its vegetative stage. During the first year, Mullein typically focuses on leaf growth and establishing a strong root system. In the second year, the plant progresses to the reproductive stage, sending up a tall flowering stalk that can reach several feet high and is adorned with rose-purple flowers in the summer. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which may fall to the ground and germinate to create new plants while the original plant may die, especially if it is a biennial variety. Throughout its life, Mullein requires full sun and can tolerate periods of drought once established, making it relatively low-maintenance.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Summer
- Verbascum 'Merlin', often referred to as 'Mullein', is commonly propagated through seed sowing. The best time for sowing Mullein seeds is late winter to early spring, indoors, under protection. To propagate Mullein by seeds, you'll want to use a well-draining seed starting mix, placing the seeds on the surface of the soil since they require light for germination. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. When seedlings are large enough to handle, typically when they have a couple sets of true leaves, you can transplant them into individual pots. Harden off the young plants gradually before transplanting them outside after the risk of frost has passed, spacing them approximately 18 inches apart (45.7 cm).