Mullein Verbascum 'Plum Smokey' (PBR)
ABOUT
Verbascum 'Plum Smokey', also widely known as the 'Mullein', is a perennial plant cherished for its remarkable and decorative appearance. The most striking feature of Plum Smokey is its stunning floral display which consists of densely packed spikes of flowers. The blossoms are a smoky plum-purple hue, offering a dramatic and contrasting pop of color in garden settings. The flowers of the Mullein are not the only aspect that captures the eye. Its foliage also contributes to its ornamental value. The leaves are rosette-forming at the base, displaying a soft, felt-like texture, which arises from the fine hairs that cover them. This characteristic gives them a silvery or greyish-green appearance that serves as an understated yet beautiful backdrop for the vibrant flowers. Moreover, the overall structure of Plum Smokey is upright, enabling the flower spikes to stand prominently above the foliage. The architectural quality of its vertical lines can add a sense of height and elegance to garden compositions without the need to specify the plant's actual dimensions. In summary, Verbascum 'Plum Smokey' is a showy perennial with eye-catching smoky plum-purple flowers that grow in dense spikes, complemented by silvery-green, hairy foliage. Its upright stance and dramatic coloring make it a noteworthy addition to any garden, providing visual interest without reference to its specific size.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Scrophulariaceae.
Synonyms
Mullein, Velvet Plant.
Common names
Verbascum 'Plum Smokey' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Verbascum 'Plum Smokey' (PBR) is Mullein. Generally, Mulleins are not known to be toxic to humans, and there is no widely recognized risk of poisoning from this plant when touched or ingested. Therefore, they do not typically cause symptoms of poisoning. However, it is still advisable to prevent children from ingesting plants, as individual allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort can occur with the consumption of non-food plants.
To pets
Mullein is the common name for Verbascum 'Plum Smokey' (PBR). Mulleins are generally considered non-toxic to pets as well. They are not known to possess any toxic substances that might cause poisoning in animals such as dogs or cats, so there are typically no symptoms associated with Mullein poisoning. However, caution should still be exercised since eating non-food plants can sometimes lead to mild digestive upset in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Smokey plum
Height
2 feet 6 inches (0.76 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.30 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Verbascum 'Plum Smokey' produces tall spikes of dark plum-purple flowers that add vertical interest and unique color to garden beds and borders.
- Long Blooming Period: This plant has a long flowering season, which can last from late spring through to late summer.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is very tolerant of dry conditions, making it suitable for gardeners dealing with water restrictions or xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer plants that don't need constant attention.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms of the Verbascum 'Plum Smokey' are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, encouraging biodiversity.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: It is generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, which is an advantage in areas where these animals are prevalent.
- Architectural Form: Its rosette of leaves and tall flowering spikes provide strong architectural form in garden design.
- Easy to Grow: It is considered easy to germinate from seed and grow, making it approachable for beginner gardeners.
- Versatile Planting Options: Suitable for mixed borders, cottage gardens, gravel gardens, and can also be grown in containers for patios or balconies.
- Tolerant of Poor Soils: Verbascum 'Plum Smokey' can thrive in less fertile soils, where other plants may struggle, thus expanding the range of planting sites.
- Evergreen Foliage: In milder climates, the basal foliage can remain evergreen, providing winter interest in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Plant dye: The flowers of the Verbascum 'Plum Smokey' can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering hues of yellow or green depending on the mordant used.
- Fish poison: Historically, some Verbascum species contain compounds that can be used to stun fish, making them easier to catch, although this practice is generally discouraged due to environmental concerns.
- Livestock feed: In some cultures, the leaves of certain Verbascum varieties are used as a supplementary food source for livestock, especially during dry seasons.
- Photography: The flower's unique structure and color can make it an ideal subject for macro photography and botanical illustration.
- Eco-printing: Verbascum leaves and flowers can be used in eco-printing techniques to transfer their shapes and colors onto paper or fabric through steaming or boiling.
- Candle making: The hair-like filaments found on the stems and leaves of some Verbascum species can be used as a natural wick in candle making.
- Bookmark crafting: Dried Verbascum flowers can be laminated and used as ornamental bookmarks, preserving their beauty and giving it a functional purpose.
- Decorative pressed flowers: The blooms can be pressed and used in crafts, such as creating decorative greeting cards or framed botanical art.
- Garden dye: Not only can the plant be used for dyeing textiles, but also for naturally coloring mulches or garden features, depending on the desired aesthetic.
- Natural confetti: Dried petals of Verbascum 'Plum Smokey' can be tossed as biodegradable confetti at events, reducing environmental impact as opposed to synthetic alternatives.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Verbascum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Verbascum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Verbascum, commonly known as Mullein, has a historical association with medicinal use, especially in treating respiratory ailments, symbolizing the plant's healing properties.
- Protection: In folklore, Mullein was believed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck, making it symbolic of protection and safety.
- Courage: Mullein's tall, sturdy stalks that can rise above many plants around it have been seen as a symbol of courage and standing tall in the face of adversity.
- Health: Due to its historical use in herbal medicine, Mullein represents good health and the restoration of the body.
- Love Divination: In some traditions, Mullein was used in love divinations, which might be due to its soft, flannel-like leaves, symbolizing gentleness in love.
WaterFor the Mullein 'Plum Smokey', water the plant deeply to ensure moisture reaches the roots, but allow the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. Typically, watering once a week with one to two gallons should suffice, but this can vary depending on climate and soil conditions. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently. It's important to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. In winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering further to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
LightThe Mullein 'Plum Smokey' thrives best in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be in an open garden bed or along a southern-facing wall where it can receive ample sunlight. If grown indoors, a south-facing window would be the optimum location to ensure enough light.
TemperatureThe Mullein 'Plum Smokey' is adapted to a wide range of temperatures, but ideally prefers conditions between 60°F and 80°F. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 90°F without significant harm. Ensuring it is planted in an area that does not fall below the minimum temperature is crucial for its survival.
PruningPrune the Mullein 'Plum Smokey' to remove spent flower spikes and encourage additional blooming. This should be done after the main flowering period. Regularly deadheading will promote a second bloom. Pruning can also include cutting back the plant at the end of the season to maintain an attractive shape. Early spring or just after flowering is typically the best time for a more extensive pruning.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMullein 'Plum Smokey' prefers well-draining soil with added organic matter, such as a mixture of loam and sand or perlite. The ideal pH balance for this variety of Mullein is neutral to slightly alkaline, around pH 6.5 to 7.5. A soil mix that allows for good drainage while retaining some moisture will help support healthy growth.
RepottingMullein 'Plum Smokey' typically does not require frequent repotting and should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it has clearly outgrown its current container. Ensuring the plant has sufficient room to grow without becoming root-bound will keep it healthy.
Humidity & MistingMullein 'Plum Smokey' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does well in average room humidity. It is not particularly demanding in terms of humidity, making it relatively easy to maintain indoors without the need for additional humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, avoid overwatering, and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure well-draining soil, and space adequately.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Verbascum 'Plum Smokey', commonly known as Mullein, begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight. Seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of leaves at ground level during the first year, focusing on vegetative growth and root development. In the second year, Mullein sends up a flower spike that can reach several feet tall, showcasing its distinctive plum-colored blossoms which attract pollinators and may bloom from late spring through to autumn. After flowering, seeds are produced and dispersed, allowing new plants to grow nearby. Once the flowering cycle is completed, the plant may die back, especially if it is a biennial variety, but if it is a perennial form, it may survive to regrow from the base. Overwintering rosettes and any self-seeded plants continue the lifecycle into the next season.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Verbascum 'Plum Smokey', commonly known as Mullein, is by sowing seeds. To ensure successful germination, seeds should be surface sown in late winter to early spring under glass for a summer display or in summer to flower the following year. They require light to germinate, so simply press them into the soil without covering them. Maintain a consistent moisture level and a temperature of around 65°F (about 18°C), waiting for seedlings to emerge in approximately 14 to 28 days. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be pricked out and grown on in cooler conditions before transplanting them into their final growing position once all risk of frost has passed.
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