Mullein Verbascum (Cotswold Group) 'Pink Domino'
ABOUT
The 'Pink Domino' from the Cotswold Group is a strikingly beautiful plant distinguished by its abundant flowering spikes adorned with pink blossoms. The flowers display a delicate shade of pink, which can range from soft pastel to a more vivid rose pink. Each flower is characterized by a roundish shape with a unique, velvety texture that adds to the plant's allure. The blooms are arrayed along the vertical flowering spikes in a dense, cylindrical fashion, giving the plant a robust and elegant appearance. In the center of each flower, there is often a darker colored stamen which contrasts beautifully with the lighter pink petals, creating an eye-catching focal point. The foliage of the 'Pink Domino' forms a low-growing rosette composed of large, downy leaves. These leaves exhibit a greyish-green color that provides a subtle backdrop to the bright blooms above. The leaf texture is soft, sometimes almost felt-like, which adds a tactile interest to the plant's overall aesthetics. This plant's stunning flowers and soft foliage come together to create a display that is both graceful and showy, making 'Pink Domino' a favored choice among gardeners who wish to add a touch of elegance to their garden palette. Its ability to draw the eye makes it an excellent candidate for focal points in garden designs or for creating dramatic drifts of color when mass-planted.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Mullein, Velvet Plant, Woolly Mullein
Common names
Verbascum (Cotswold Group) 'Pink Domino'.
- Toxicity
To humans
Common mullein (Verbascum) is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no widespread reports of toxicity or poisonings from ingesting parts of the common mullein plant. However, it is always advisable to not consume plants that are not commonly recognized as food items, as individual reactions can vary.
To pets
Common mullein (Verbascum) is not known to be toxic to pets. It does not appear on lists of poisonous plants for animals such as cats and dogs, and there are no common reports of pets being poisoned by ingesting parts of a common mullein plant. Nonetheless, it's always best to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as they may still cause gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: 'Pink Domino' adds a touch of whimsy with its tall spires of pink flowers, which can be a striking addition to any garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is very tolerant of dry conditions, making it ideal for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once it's established in the right environment.
- Long Blooming: It has a lengthy flowering period through the summer, providing lasting color in the garden.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is generally resistant to deer, which makes it a good choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Vertical Interest: The tall flower spikes can add vertical structure to garden beds and borders, offering a visual contrast to low-growing plants.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden designs, including cottage gardens, herbaceous borders, and gravel gardens.
- 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
- Photography: The 'Pink Domino' mullein's tall spires and delicate pink flowers make it an excellent subject for botanical photography, enhancing garden portfolios.
- Fabric Dyeing: Petals of the 'Pink Domino' mullein can be used to create a soft, light pink dye for natural fabric dyeing projects.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the unique structure and color of the 'Pink Domino' mullein as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and other art forms.
- Floral Arrangements: Because of their height and dramatic look, these flowers can be used fresh or dried in floral arrangements for an elegant touch.
- Education: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach about pollination, as it attracts a variety of pollinators.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried petals of the 'Pink Domino' mullein can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative in celebrations.
- Landscaping: Their imposing height and striking color can serve as a natural fence or border within garden design.
- Seasonal Decorations: The dried flower stalks of 'Pink Domino' mullein can be incorporated into fall or winter decorations, adding a rustic appeal to wreaths and garlands.
- Book Pressing: The flowers can be used for pressing and included in craft projects, such as handmade bookmarks or botanical art pieces.
- Photographic Background: The dense foliage and tall flowers can provide a natural green background for outdoor portrait photography.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The common name of Verbascum (Cotswold Group) 'Pink Domino' is Mullein, and this plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The common name of Verbascum (Cotswold Group) 'Pink Domino' is Mullein, and this plant is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Healing: Verbascum, commonly known as Mullein, has been used historically in herbal medicine, suggesting a symbolic association with healing and recuperation.
- Protection: Mullein has been considered a plant of protection, where its use was believed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck.
- Courage: In some folklore, carrying Mullein was said to instill courage in an individual, likely because of its bold, upright growth form.
- Pure Thoughts: The soft, felt-like leaves of Mullein might symbolize gentleness and purity, reminding us to approach situations with pure intentions and thoughts.
- Consolation: Because of its soothing properties, Mullein may symbolize solace and comfort, offering consolation to those in distress.
- Water
The Mullein 'Pink Domino' should be watered deeply but infrequently, ensuring that the soil is allowed to dry out somewhat between waterings. During the growing season, a general guideline is to water the plant approximately once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, depending on the weather conditions and soil type. Cut back on watering as the plant enters dormancy in the fall and winter, reducing to once every two or three weeks, or as needed to keep the soil from becoming completely dry.
- Light
Mullein 'Pink Domino' thrives best in full sun conditions, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant is a location where it can enjoy unfiltered sunlight throughout the day, which is crucial for its growth and flower production.
- Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Mullein 'Pink Domino' is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it relatively cold-hardy. The plant performs well in typical garden conditions and does not have high heat requirements.
- Pruning
Pruning Mullein 'Pink Domino' encourages new growth and can prevent the plant from looking ragged. Deadhead spent flowers to promote further blooming throughout the season. Cut back the foliage after flowering has completed, typically in the late summer or early fall, to tidy up the plant and prepare it for winter.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Mullein 'Pink Domino' thrives best in well-draining soil with a light addition of compost. A mix that is one part each of loam, sand, and peat works well. Maintain a soil pH of 6.4 to 6.8 for optimal growing conditions.
- Repotting
Mullein 'Pink Domino' does not require frequent repotting and is usually happy in the same pot for several years. Repot only when it is visibly root-bound, typically every 2 to 3 years.
- Humidity & Misting
Mullein 'Pink Domino' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but prefers average room humidity. It does not have specific humidity requirements, making it quite adaptable.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Needs full sun, well-drained soil, and occasional watering.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
'Pink Domino' Mullein, a biennial or short-lived perennial, begins its life cycle with seed germination which typically occurs in spring or fall, given sufficient moisture and light. During the first year, it establishes a rosette of basal leaves, engaging in vegetative growth without flowering. The following year, it sends up a tall flower spike that produces pink flowers arranged in a dense, terminal inflorescence, usually in early to mid-summer. After flowering, seed set occurs, with capsules releasing numerous small seeds that can germinate to continue the cycle. The parent plant often dies after seed production, having completed its biennial lifecycle, although some specimens may persist or regrow from the base. Throughout its life, 'Pink Domino' Mullein requires full sun and well-drained soil to thrive and may undergo periods of dormancy during cold winters or adverse conditions.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
The Verbascum 'Pink Domino', commonly known as Mullein, is best propagated by seed. The ideal time for sowing Mullein seeds is in late winter to early spring. To propagate, prepare a tray of seed compost and sprinkle the tiny seeds thinly over the surface, as they need light to germinate. Cover the tray with a clear plastic lid or place it inside a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Keep the tray in a bright area but out of direct sunlight, at a temperature of around 65-70°F (18-21°C). Seeds usually germinate within 2 to 3 weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and gradually acclimatize them to outdoor conditions before planting out in the garden after all risk of frost has passed.