Mullein Verbascum 'Sugar Plum' (PBR)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Verbascum 'Sugar Plum' is a striking perennial that stands out due to its unique foliage and flower features. The leaves of this plant are typically a soft, silvery-grey color, providing a beautiful contrast with the blooms. They have a slightly fuzzy texture due to the fine hairs that cover the surface, giving them a soft, velvety feel. The flowers of Verbascum 'Sugar Plum' steal the show with their rich, plum-purple hue. The blooms are arranged in dense clusters on tall, upright spikes that rise elegantly above the foliage. Each individual flower is composed of a rounded cup shape with five rounded petals, creating a simple yet attractive form. The centre of the blooms often showcases a lighter shade, sometimes with orange or yellow stamens that protrude noticeably, adding an extra pop of color to the floral display. Verbascum 'Sugar Plum' has a sturdy and robust growth habit, with the flower spikes closely packed together, creating a showy and lush appearance. The plant's blooms are a magnet for pollinators, inviting a variety of bees and butterflies into the garden. Its visual appeal is enhanced when planted in groups, forming an attractive drift of color and texture.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Mullein, Velvet Plant
Common names
Verbascum 'Sugar Plum' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Verbascum plants, commonly known as Mullein, are not typically considered toxic to humans. Most parts of the plants in this genus are actually used in traditional herbal medicine. However, like with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could cause reactions. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from Mullein, and ingestion of the plant parts is not commonly associated with any specific symptoms of toxicity in humans.
To pets
For pets, Mullein is also not recognized as a toxic plant. It is not listed as poisonous to cats, dogs, or other animals. Therefore, if a pet were to ingest parts of the Verbascum 'Sugar Plum', it is unlikely to suffer from poisoning strictly due to the plant's natural properties. Still, individual animals might have sensitivities, and ingestion of non-food items can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset regardless of toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
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- Attractive flowers: 'Sugar Plum' produces an abundance of delicate purple flowers with plum-colored centers, adding a striking touch to the garden.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, it has low water requirements and can thrive with minimal irrigation, making it suitable for dry climates or water-wise gardens.
- Long flowering season: This cultivar has a long blooming period, typically from mid-spring to late summer, providing extended visual interest.
- Easy to grow: It is undemanding and can grow in a variety of soil types, including poor soils, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Height and structure: With its tall, upright habit, it can provide vertical interest in garden beds or borders.
- Deer resistant: 'Sugar Plum' is generally not favored by deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Frost-hardy: It can withstand light frosts, making it suitable for growth in cooler climates.
- Minimal pest and disease issues: It is relatively resistant to common garden pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Mulch Production: The dried leaves of Verbascum 'Sugar Plum' can be shredded and used to create a natural mulch for garden beds, offering a way to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
- Craft Material: The sturdy stems and seed pods can be harvested and used in floral arrangements or as components in homemade crafts such as wreaths and ornaments.
- Livestock Feed: In some areas, the leaves of Verbascum 'Sugar Plum' may be used as an emergency feed for livestock, particularly goats, when other forage is not available.
- Dye Source: The flowers and leaves can provide natural dyes for fabrics and yarns, with possibilities for a range of soft colors depending on mordants used.
- Companion Planting: Verbascum 'Sugar Plum' can be planted alongside vegetable gardens as it may attract pollinators or deter specific pests through its aroma or presence.
- Photography Subject: Its striking appearance makes it a popular subject for photographers and artists who wish to capture the beauty of garden plants in their work.
- Natural Fencing: When planted in masses, Verbascum 'Sugar Plum' can create an informal, aesthetic, and living barrier that defines garden spaces without the use of artificial materials.
- Education: The plant can be a useful teaching tool in botany and horticulture classes as an example of plant hybridization and breeding for specific traits.
- Soil Erosion Control: With its deep root system, Verbascum 'Sugar Plum' can be effective in stabilizing loose or eroded soils on slopes and banks.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried petals of Verbascum 'Sugar Plum' flowers can be used as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations, reducing environmental impact.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mullein is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mullein is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Verbascum, commonly known as Mullein, is often associated with its medicinal properties, symbolizing health and healing.
- Protection: Mullein has historically been used as a protective herb, thought to ward off evil spirits and bad luck.
- Courage: In folklore, carrying Mullein was believed to instill courage in the bearer, making it a symbol of bravery.
- Love: While not as common, some traditions hold that Mullein can be used in love spells, thus symbolizing love and attraction.
WaterMullein, commonly known as Verbascum 'Sugar Plum', prefers well-drained soil and does not like to be overwatered. Water this plant deeply but infrequently, providing about 1-2 inches of water each week during the growing season, depending on weather conditions. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as mullein is drought-tolerant once established. During prolonged dry spells, increase watering slightly but be cautious not to saturate the soil. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, so adjust your watering routine according to your specific garden conditions.
LightThe Mullein or Verbascum 'Sugar Plum' thrives best in full sun. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to develop its full flowering potential and maintain strong growth. The ideal spot for this plant is an area that receives unfiltered, direct sunlight for the majority of the day. However, it can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureMullein, known as Verbascum 'Sugar Plum', prefers a temperate range of temperatures and can handle temperatures as low as 20°F once established. The ideal growing temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F. This plant is relatively hardy but should be protected from extreme cold below 20°F and may suffer in extreme heat above 90°F.
PruningMullein, known as Verbascum 'Sugar Plum', benefits from deadheading to promote further flowering and prevent self-seeding. Prune or remove spent flower spikes as soon as they have finished blooming, which can be done several times during the flowering season. If desired, cut the plant back by half after the initial flush of flowers to maintain a tidy shape and possibly encourage a second bloom in the fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMullein 'Sugar Plum' prefers a well-draining soil mix with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly alkaline. A mix of two parts loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or well-rotted manure will support healthy growth. Ensure the soil allows for proper moisture retention while avoiding waterlogging.
RepottingMullein 'Sugar Plum' should generally be repotted every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current container. Utilizing a slightly larger pot each time encourages continued growth and prevents the plant from becoming root-bound.
Humidity & MistingMullein 'Sugar Plum' does well in average room humidity levels. It does not require high humidity, making it quite adaptable to typical indoor environments; aim to maintain humidity levels around 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Mullein 'Sugar Plum' in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Mullein 'Sugar Plum' in full sun to partial shade outside.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Verbascum 'Sugar Plum', also known as Mullein 'Sugar Plum', begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in fertile, well-drained soil and given sufficient warmth and light, will germinate to produce small seedlings. These seedlings then grow into rosette-forming plants in their first year, with large, fuzzy, silvery-green leaves that are characteristic of many Verbascum species. In the second year, the plant shifts its energy to producing a tall flowering stalk that can reach up to two feet or more, adorned with attractive plum-purple flowers with darker purple centers, which usually bloom in the summer. Pollinators such as bees are attracted to the blossoms, aiding in the cross-pollination necessary for seed production. After flowering, seeds are dispersed to give rise to new plants, and the two-year biennial cycle begins anew with the parent plant typically dying after seed set. Throughout its life cycle, Mullein 'Sugar Plum' requires full sun to partial shade and moderate water to thrive, but is generally considered drought-tolerant once established.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Verbascum 'Sugar Plum' is by sowing seeds. To propagate this plant, one should typically sow seeds either in the spring or late summer. Seeds are sprinkled atop a well-draining seed starting mix, lightly covered with soil, and kept moist until germination, which usually takes around 2 to 3 weeks. Optimal growing temperatures for germination range between 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (about 18 to 21 degrees Celsius). Seedlings can be transplanted to their final location once they are large enough to handle and after all threat of frost has passed. It's important to space the young plants about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for mature growth.
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